Southern Iraq Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

Southern Iraq stretches south of the Baghdad Belts of Iraq to Kuwait. It is also referred to as Lower Mesopotamia (Mesopotamia meaning the Land between the Rivers – the Euphrates and Tigris) or the Cradle of Civilization. The largest religious group in the area is Shia Islam.

• 31.83333347.151 Amarah
• 31.98916744.9247222 Al Diwaniyah
• 30.38916747.7080563 Az Zubayr
• 30.51547.814 Basra — the major city of the south, a large port town on the Shatt-al-Arab River just northwest of the Persian Gulf.
• 32.48333344.4333335 Hillah
• 32.61666744.0333336 Karbala
• 32.51472245.8188897 Kut
• 32.02895144.3396218 Najaf
• 31.04388946.25759 Nasiriyah
• 31.31666745.28333310 Samawah
• 30.03416747.92944411 Umm Qasr

• 32.542544.4211111 Babylon — A World heritage-listed ruin one of the most prominent cities of Ancient Mesopotamia.
• 31.325945.63742 Uruk — An ancient city of Sumer
• 30.96222246.1044443 Ur — Important city during the Sumerian era, includes the partly restored Great Ziggurat
• 31474 Mesopotamian Marshes — Wetland area with huge cultural and natural importance. A World heritage site.
• 31.54222247.7066675 Hawizeh Marshes — Another large complex of marshes that straddle the Iran–Iraq border.

The entirety of Karbala Province is located here, and is notable as the place of Martyr Imam Husain, where he fought war with Yazid, then Emperor or caliph of muslims, who had support of sunnis, and was thus proclaimed Caliph. The place has the tomb Imam as well as his armies Commander-in-chief and brother Abbas Allambardar. The Imam Husain's army had 96 warriors including women's and children were called Ahlebait. The total deaths in Ahlebait was 72. The place has the tomb of all the martyrs. It is considered a sacred place for Shi'a Muslims.

The main international gateway is Basra. A smaller airport exists in Najaf while the airport in Karbala is under construction as of late 2020.

• 30.54888947.6624721 Basra International Airport (BSR ^IATA). (updated Dec 2020)
• 31.98985344.4043172 Al Najaf International Airport. (updated Dec 2020)
• 32.36644.19363 Karbala International Airport. (updated Dec 2020)
• 30.93575846.0901114 Nasiriyah Airport. (updated Dec 2023)

There are overnight trains from Baghdad to Basra, calling in many cities in the region on its way. Additionally there are seasonal trains to Karbala from both Baghdad and Basra, mostly around religious festivals. While there are no international trains into Iraq, the border city of Khorramshahr, in Iran sees daily trains from Tehran. It's possible to continue the last few kilometers by taxi, bus or ferry to Basra.

Driving is perhaps the most common way of getting around. Freeway 1 runs in a north-south direction, connecting Basra with Baghdad. The road is generally in good condition, but traffic can be bad. Highway 9 connects Najaf, Karbala and Baghdad. Smaller roads are generally in worse condition.

The borders are open from both Iran, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia but expect hassle and long ques at all crossings.

A river ferry is available from Khorramshahr, across the border in Iran, to Basra. The journey takes just 45 minutes and there are multiple sailings each week.

Southern Iraq is home to a mixed world heritage site, The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities, comprising four marshland areas and three Sumerian archaeological sites:

• Huwaizah Marshes
• Central Marshes
• East Hammar Marshes
• West Hammar Marshes
• Uruk Archaeological City
• Ur Archaeological City
• Tell Eridu Archaeological Site

Southern Iraq is much safer than the rest of Iraq, but even here it is important to remain vigilant at all times and ensure you are well protected.