I first visited Baghdad for a week’s official trip in the year 1976. Subsequently, I was posted by my company in Baghdad for a period of 2 years from 1981 to 1983 and one year in 1989.
The capital of Iraq, ( earstwhile Mesopotamia) , is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited. Baghdad is located on the banks of River Tigris, and is very green . The river is full of water throughout the year and provides abundant fish.
The city has two amin parts, onr the historical downtown area and the other , modern outskirts. The old quarters take you back to historical times of Khalifa Haroon al Rasheed. The street is also named as Rasheed Street. You will find the teahouses where people will relax and have a leisurely tea and smoke. The old bazaars still ahve the charm where exotic spices and dryfruit alongwith other goods are sold. The purchasers never buy goods without haggling . The old Mosques and monuments are fabulous.
Come to the other parts and you will find the gardens and modern shopping areas and residential quarters. Go to the river bank and you can select live fish from a tank which will be cooked on slow fire . It goes well alongwith the local beer with brandnames like farida, sheherzaad and loulou.
Cross the Alibaba square and enter Masbah and you will come across a number of nightclubs where you can have a wonderful evening watching belly dance .
The Iraqi people are hospitable and very friendly. Really, Baghdad is a CITY OF 1001 NIGHTS.