FlyerTalk Forums

FlyerTalk Forums (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/index.php)
-   Trip Reports (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports-177/)
-   -   Baghdad To Basra (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1903524-baghdad-basra.html)

DanielW Apr 11, 2018 10:46 pm


Day 4.

After a final breakfast at the Baghdad Hotel I packed my bags and met up with everyone in the lobby, ready to leave Baghdad.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/160-XL.jpg

Todays plan was to make our way south to the ruins of the ancient Mesopotamian city of Babylon. We would then head west to Al-Ukhaidir Fortress before returning east to the city of Karbala.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/161-XL.jpg

Heading out of Baghdad.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/162-XL.jpg

After an uneventiful drive south, we arrived outside the entrance to Babylon with a replica of the Ishtar Gate. The original gate was excavated in the early 20th century and was removed and reconstructed at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin and where it now still resides.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/163-XL.jpg

The Ishtar Gate (both the replica and the real one in Berlin) were constructed from glazed blue bricks, meant to represent lapis lazuli, a deep-blue semi-precious stone that was revered in antiquity, and alternating rows of bas-relief mušḫuššu (dragons), aurochs (a now extinct wild bull), and lions, symbolizing the gods Marduk, Adad, and Ishtar.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/164-XL.jpg

And inside where we met up with our local guide, Mohammed. He had studied archaeology both at the local University of Babylon and in the USA.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/165-XL.jpg

Mohammed then gave an overview of the Babylon archaeological area. Babylon was a key kingdom in ancient Mesopotamia from the 18th to 6th centuries BC. Unfortunately what remains of the original Babylon is little more than rubble, with the prize pieces long since been carted off to European museums.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/166-XL.jpg

In 1983 Saddam Hussein ordered the rebuilding of Babylon. As most Iraqi men were fighting in the bloody Iran-Iraq war, Saddam brought in thousands of Sudanese workers to lay brand new yellow bricks over where the Palace of Nebuchadnezzar II (king of Babylon from 605 BC to 562 BC) had stood.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/167-XL.jpg

Luckily some of the original brickwork remains, and which was under restoration and maintenance when we visited.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/168-XL.jpg

Looking up at an original bas-relief of a mušḫuššu. The fierce looking and mythological hybrid consisted of a scaly dragon with hind legs resembling the talons of an eagle, feline forelegs, a long neck and tail, a horned head and a snake-like tongue.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/169-XL.jpg

Looking through a reconstructed archway with Saddam's Summer Palace in the distance. Little was known of the plans of the original Nebuchadnezzar palace so for the reconstruction considerable liberty was taken. The arches in earlier royal palaces in the region were roughly a boxy rectangle, with the height of the arch around twice the width of the entryway. It was decided that the Nebuchadnezzar palace would have been built on an even grander scale, so they simply tripled the height of the archways.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/170-XL.jpg

When Saddam toured the reconstruction and when he asked the curators how they knew when the original palace was built, they showed him one of the original bricks stamped with the name of King Nebuchadnezzar II and the construction date, 605 BC.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ...XL/170A-XL.jpg

DanielW Apr 11, 2018 10:47 pm


The Iraqi leader then immediately suggested that the bricks used in the recreation bear a similar inscription. Hence they are inscribed with the text:

"In the reign of the victorious Saddam Hussein, the president of the Republic, may God keep him, the guardian of the great Iraq and the renovator of its renaissance and the builder of its great civilization, the rebuilding of the great city of Babylon was done in 1987".

It then mentions the name and the date of the earlier despot, inexorably linking the two.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ...XL/170B-XL.jpg

The Lion of Babylon. Made out of black basalt stone, it depicts a Mesopotamian lion standing above a laying human and is considered a national symbol of Iraq.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/171-XL.jpg

A group of visiting Iraqi's visiting the reconstructed Palace. Saddam's perhaps misguided attempt to reconstruct the Palace of Nebuchadnezzar II has been derided as 'Disney for a Despot' as it was violating the archaeological principle of preserving rather than recreating.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/172-XL.jpg

We then made a visit to the onsite museum. An overview of the Babylon site along the Euphrates with pictures in the background of Biblical Tower of Babel.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/173-XL.jpg

And a model of Etemenanki, a ziggurat dedicated to Marduk in the city of Babylon and thought to be a likely influence for the biblical story of the Tower of Babel.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/174-XL.jpg

One of the few original bas-reliefs from the processional of the Ishtar Gate still in Iraq. The others are scattered throughout the museums all over the world.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/175-XL.jpg

Looking over to the former Summer Palace of Saddam Husseim with the original ruins of Babylon in the foreground. Following the 2003 American invasion, US camp Alpha was set up partially on the ruins. Significant damage occurred with areas leveled to create landing pads for helicopters and parking lots for vehicles, tanks rumbled over ancient bricks, Polish troops dug trenches through a ancient temple and soil holding artifacts and bones was scooped into sandbags.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/176-XL.jpg

After the very interesting visit to Babylon we then proceeded up the hill to visit the former Summer Palace of Saddam.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/177-XL.jpg

Built after the end of the Persian Gulf War in 1992 in the same pyramid style as a Sumerian ziggurat on top of the man-made Saddam Hill.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/178-XL.jpg

Venturing inside the large and extravagant lobby.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/179-XL.jpg

Wooden date palms adorning the wall.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/180-XL.jpg

The palace was occupied by U.S. forces when they arrived in 2003.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/181-XL.jpg

Walking up to the second floor.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/182-XL.jpg

It was fascinating to imagine it in more glorius times.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/183-XL.jpg

Intricate wood and plaster ceiling with the remnants of a chandelier.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/184-XL.jpg

A bedroom ensuite with copious amounts of marble. Supposedly the toilets and taps, now long gone, were also gold plated.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/185-XL.jpg

Continuing down a hallway.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/186-XL.jpg

DanielW Apr 11, 2018 10:48 pm


The numerous bedrooms were quite large and palatial.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/187-XL.jpg

Another bedroom ensuite with liberal amounts of marble..
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/188-XL.jpg

It was quite eerie and surreal to freely roam about what was once a place where no mere 'mortal' would be allowed to be.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/189-XL.jpg

Walking down some curved marbled steps.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/190-XL.jpg

Looking out from an upper floor window and to the Euphrates.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/191-XL.jpg

A couple of teenagers posing beside the flag of Iraq.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/192-XL.jpg

A man taking a photo of his daughter in what appeared to be a larger living room.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/193-XL.jpg

A very colourful mural on the ceiling showing various monuments of Iraq.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/194-XL.jpg

Another mural inside the Palace which I managed to illuminate with the light from my iPhone.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/195-XL.jpg

Despite being almost 15 years since the fall of Saddam, it was quite interesting to see Iraqi's touring his former palace with the same fascination and inquisitiveness as us tourists.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/196-XL.jpg

DanielW Apr 11, 2018 10:48 pm


Looking up at the once grand palace with an empty rubbish filled swimming pool below.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/197-XL.jpg

A relief featuring a bust of Saddam below a window.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/198-XL.jpg

And an almost mythical representation of Saddam above the outstretched wings of an eagle.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/199-XL.jpg

I had seen and heard about the palatial residences that Saddam had built across Iraq and it was very interesting to finally wander about and explore one of them. A great and memorable experience!
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/200-XL.jpg

After spending a little too long exploring the Saddam's former palace we grabbed a few snacks for lunch before continuing on in the minibus.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/201-XL.jpg

Refuelling in the nearby city of Hillah.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/202-XL.jpg

And stopping for an afternoon tea fix.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/204-XL.jpg

We then continued on towards the city of Karbala.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/203-XL.jpg

After passing through Karbala we then headed down Al Hajj Road for ~50 kilometres to Al-Ukhaidir Fortress. The area just to the west of here was previously ISIS territory and there was numerous Iraqi military outposts about.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/205-XL.jpg

Al-Ukhaidir Fortress was constructed during the 8th century and was an important stop on regional trade routes.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/206-XL.jpg

The fortress was in remarkably good condition and well restored.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/207-XL.jpg

The high perimeter walls of the fort built for defense were also a very interesting and elegant example of early Islamic architecture.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/208-XL.jpg

DanielW Apr 11, 2018 10:49 pm


Inside one of the many courtyards. Since 2000 the fortress has been on the tentative UNESCO World Heritage list.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/209-XL.jpg

After our visit to the fortress we headed back to Karbala. On the outskirts of the city we were held up at a checkpoint for almost an hour. Our visit to the fortress on our official itinerary approved by the Ministry of Tourism wasn't until tomorrow so the Police decided to make a big fuss about it. Luckily after some reasoning by Raad they eventually let us proceed into the city.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/210-XL.jpg

We rolled into Karbala at dusk. Karbala is home to the two Mosques of Imam Husayn (foreground) and Abbas (background) and attracts millions of Shi'ite pilgrims every year (Photo by Karbobala Photos, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0).
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/211-XL.jpg

Outside the Najmat Jarash Hotel for our one night stay in Karbala.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/212-XL.jpg

And welcomed with a glass of hot tea each.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/213-XL.jpg

And the slightly retro room for the night.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/214-XL.jpg

Complete with two types of toilets in the bathroom.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/215-XL.jpg

The view from the top floor where we headed to the hotel restaurant for dinner.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/216-XL.jpg

Soup, meatballs, salad and some Crystal Cola, which was confusingly made by Coca Cola.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/217-XL.jpg

And some tasty comfort food after the busy travel day.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/218-XL.jpg

Meeting an Iraqi cat just outside the hotel before we headed out for a walk after dinner.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/219-XL.jpg

We then headed into the centre of the city towards the two Mosques of Imam Husayn and Abbas.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/220-XL.jpg

There were several security checkpoints on the way where we had to get a pat down and have our bags X-rayed. In the instability and sectarian violence following the 2003 US invasion and the subsequent rise of ISIS there have been many bombings in the city against Shi'ite pilgrims.

Fresh popcorn for sale.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/221-XL.jpg

DanielW Apr 11, 2018 10:49 pm


Sweets for sale with a poster of the very handsome Imam Husayn ibn Ali, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/222-XL.jpg

And outside the Shrine of Imam Husayn ibn Ali, the mosque and burial site of the third Imam of Islam and is located near where he was martyred during the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/223-XL.jpg

After storing our shoes, phones and cameras we joined the throngs of pilgrims and filed into the shrine after a security pat down.

The shrine was full of worshippers, both men, women and children. We then joined the crowd and visited the zarih, the very an ornate, gilded, lattice structure, that enclosed the grave of Imam Husayn ibn Ali.

It was quite a special experience, being amongst the pilgrims that were praying at this very holy and spiritual place.

We then retreated to the mosque and sat down on the carpet to relax and take in the atmosphere. I thought some pilgrims would be hesitant with Westerners inside the mosque, but we had no issues and we even approached by some curious ladies who wanted to chat as they had friends and relatives living overseas in various Western countries.

A photo of the interior of the Shrine of Imam Husayn ibn Ali (by Karbobala Photos, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0).
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/224-XL.jpg

We then went outside into the courtyard between the two mosques.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/225-XL.jpg

Families enjoying the cool evening temperature with the Shrine of Imam Husayn ibn Ali in the distance.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/226-XL.jpg

Outside the Al Abbas Mosque, which is the home of the tomb of Abbas ibn Ali, the son of Imam Ali (cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad), the first Imam of Shia Muslims and the fourth Caliph of Sunni Muslims.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/227-XL.jpg

As with the Shrine of Imam Husayn ibn Ali, we were able to joining the Shi'ite pilgrims and enter the mosque and visit the zarih and again experience the serene and peaceful atmosphere whilst amongst the scores of worshippers.

After the memorable and moving visit to the two mosques we started to make our way back towards the hotel.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/228-XL.jpg

DanielW Apr 11, 2018 10:49 pm


Silhouette. Unlike Baghdad where ladies in western style dress seemed to be the norm, all the ladies we saw in Karbala were dressed in the long flowing black dress that covered them head to toe.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/229-XL.jpg

Catching a ride in a local 'taxi'. We then retired to the hotel to get some rest after a great day and an amazing evening in Iraq.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/230-XL.jpg

DanielW Apr 11, 2018 10:50 pm


Day 5.

Eggs, bread and cheese for breakfast on the morning of day 5.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/231-XL.jpg

The local morning newspaper with the headline "Abadi: We are committed to constitutional entitlements and holding elections on time".
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/232-XL.jpg

Today's plan was to drive south from Karbala to Al Kifl to visit the tomb of the biblical prophet Ezekiel. We would then drive further south to the Great Mosque of Kufa in the city of Kufa before ending the day in Najaf.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/233-XL.jpg

Looking down on a checkpoint to the two holy mosques as we leave Karbala.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/234-XL.jpg

A seemingly endless row of faces of soldiers killed in the fight against ISIS on the side of the road as we head south.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/235-XL.jpg

Looking up at the leaning 14th-century brick minaret (right) after we arrived at Al-Nukhailah Mosque in Al Kifl.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/236-XL.jpg

The mosque is also the site of tomb of the Islamic Prophet Dhul-Kifl, mentioned twice in the Koran and who is often identified as Ezekiel, a Hebrew prophet who preached to the Jews in captivity under Nebuchadnezzar in the sixth century BC.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/237-XL.jpg

And inside Ezekiel's Tomb, which was originally built back in the 7th century as a synagogue.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/238-XL.jpg

It was quite fascinating seeing the Hebrew writing in what is now an Islamic religious site.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/239-XL.jpg

Up until 1947 there was an Iraqi Jewish population of ~156,000 and was one of the largest and most prominent Jewish communities in the Middle East. Until the mid-20th century, over 5,000 Jewish pilgrims used to come to the tomb all over Iraq during Passover.

After subsequent persecution by the Iraqi authorities, the current Jewish population in Iraq is estimated to be now less than 10.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/240-XL.jpg

On the left inside the mosque are the burial places of other religious figures.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/241-XL.jpg

And Julian marvelling at the book some of the locals were using to learn English, poetry by Shakespeare!
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/242-XL.jpg

And a group photo in the mosque courtyard with the Shi'ite caretaker of the tomb after the fascinating visit. Up until recently Westerners were not allowed here so it was quite a privilege to be able to visit.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/243-XL.jpg

DanielW Apr 11, 2018 10:50 pm


Nearby we ventured into the Ottoman-era souk.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/244-XL.jpg

Enjoying a second round of sugary tea.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/245-XL.jpg

It was also a good opportunity to meet some of the locals.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/246-XL.jpg

Charlie discussing with some local gentlemen the wonderful hospitality and friendliness we have encountered on our trip.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/247-XL.jpg

And enjoying a tasty Iraqi meat dumpling.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/248-XL.jpg

At the entrance to our next stop, the Great Mosque of Kufa, where I noticed an Iraqi policeman 'scanning' our minibus with a fake bomb detector!
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/249-XL.jpg

Sold by British fraudster James McCormick for $40,000 each to the Iraqi government many years ago, the ADE 651 has been described as a "glorified dowsing rod". In 2016, Cormick was jailed for 10 years and ordered to forfeit cash and assets worth £8m for his role in the sale of the devices.

It was quite amusing as well as disconcerting to see these fake devices still being used to screen for explosives.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/250-XL.jpg

DanielW Apr 11, 2018 10:51 pm


Walking towards the Great Mosque of Kufa after passing the fake bomb detector test. Built in the 7th century, the mosque contains the remains of Muslim ibn ‘Aqīl (first cousin of Imam Husayn ibn Ali), his companion Hani ibn Urwa and the revolutionary Mukhtar al-Thaqafi.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/251-XL.jpg

Previous Western visitors have been denied entry to the mosque, but Raad approached the security personnel and with his usual politeness, friendliness and charm and managed to convince them to allow us entry.

After storing our shoes, cameras and phone, we entered into the mosque and visited the holy shrines.

The Mosque is revered for many reasons, including being the location where Ali, the cousin and the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, was killed with a poison-coated sword while prostrating in prayer.

We then retreated to the shaded edge of the main courtyard and sat down on the carpet and enjoyed the solemn and peacful ambience (Photo by David Stanley, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0).
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/252-XL.jpg

After our visit to the Great Mosque we drove into the city of Najaf and checked into the Golden Star Hotel just after 2pm.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/253-XL.jpg

And my room for our one night in Najaf.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/254-XL.jpg

At about 4pm we met up in the lobby and headed out for a walk to Imam Ali Mosque.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/255-XL.jpg

Khubz Shakar Al Ghadir (bread of thanksgiving).
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/256-XL.jpg

A poster with religious figures along with soldiers killed in the battle against ISIS.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/257-XL.jpg

DanielW Apr 11, 2018 10:51 pm


A policeman's guard post on a street corner.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/258-XL.jpg

As we ventured closer to Imam Ali Mosque there was an open street market.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/259-XL.jpg

Stopping for an afternoon sugar fix.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/260-XL.jpg

With some tasty Lokma soaked in syrup.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/261-XL.jpg

As in Karbala, the ladies were dressed in head-to-toe black.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/262-XL.jpg

Long shadows from the late afternoon sun.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/263-XL.jpg

فراولة
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/264-XL.jpg

ثلاثة
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/265-XL.jpg

As we got closer to the Imam Ali Mosque we entered into the long indoor souk. We needed to get to the mosque before Maghrib (after sunset) prayer so hurried through the busy crowds.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/266-XL.jpg

DanielW Apr 11, 2018 10:51 pm


And outside the main entrance to Imam Ali Mosque. The mosque is home to the tomb of Imam Ali, the cousin of Muhammad, the first Imam (according to Shia belief) and fourth caliph (according to Sunni belief).
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/267-XL.jpg

After taking off our shoes and leaving our phones and camera's with Amad, we then entered the mosque after a thorough security pat down (Photo sourced from Wikipedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0).
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/268-XL.jpg

Raad again lead us with the throngs of pilgrims to the tomb of the Imam Ali. According to Shi'a belief, buried next to Ali are also the remains of Adam and Noah.

As with our visit to the two holy Mosques in Karbala, being amongst the pilgrims at such a revered and holy place was a great privilege and was quite a moving and memorable experience.

With the approaching Maghrib prayer time (and influx of pilgrims into the mosque) we made our way back to the indoor souk.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/269-XL.jpg

DanielW Apr 11, 2018 10:52 pm


DanielW Apr 11, 2018 10:52 pm


Brass.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/273-XL.jpg

Tailor.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/274-XL.jpg

And Andreas, Danny and Charlie after being asked to pose for a photo with some of the locals.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/275-XL.jpg

Stopping to buy some water and soft drinks at a local shop on the way back to the hotel. It was now prayer time and we could see worshippers on the TV in the Imam Ali Mosque we had just visited.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/276-XL.jpg

For our last dinner of 2017 we headed to Restaurant Al Manara.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/277-XL.jpg

Soup and tasty mezze to start.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/278-XL.jpg

DanielW Apr 11, 2018 10:52 pm


For dinner I opted for a burger, which was pretty sizable and wasn't too bad.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/279-XL.jpg

And some sweet baklava and sugary tea to finish.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/280-XL.jpg

Back at the hotel Julian brought out the Iraqi made 'Janoff' brand vodka he had purchased in Baghdad to mix with the Coke we had bought earlier.
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/281-XL.jpg

And then enjoyed a memorable and slightly unconventional end to 2017 in Iraq!
http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/IRAQ.../XL/282-XL.jpg



http://www.dsw-photo.com/Other/16WA/.../0/O/Part3.png


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 8:25 pm.


This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.