Iraq often evokes apprehensions in the minds of potential visitors due to its history and how its generally portrayed. However, the narrative is rapidly changing, with Iraq establishing itself as an Islamic travel destination with invaluable historical and spiritual significance. Below we delve into some important considerations for those contemplating a trip to this unique and spiritual land.
We have put this guide together to provide you with enough information to make an informed decision.
Experianced Tour Operator
Our mission at Ziyara Tours is to provide enriching experiences rooted in spirituality, education, and adventure. With meticulously crafted itineraries to visit a list of sacred sites, dedicated teams, and scholars accompanying us, we strive for transparency and utmost customer satisfaction.
Our reviews on platforms like Google and Trustpilot reflect the experiences of our travellers. For any questions, we remain at your service through calls or WhatsApp, ensuring your comfort from contemplation of going to the completion of the journey.
Millions Of Tourists Annually
The regions we explore are bustling with local life and frequented by tourists. The Iraqi government recognizes the immense value of tourism, implementing measures to ensure visitors’ safety. The friendly security presence around tourist sites, and at certain checkpoints, stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its tourists and providing confidence to those visiting.
A staggering 20 million people marked Iraq as their travel destination in 2022, a testament to its increasing popularity. The influx of international visitors speaks for itself and speaks volumes on how much of a tourist destination it has become.
Referenced in an article by ArabNews.com.
Licenced Tour Operators
Our time in Iraq is supported by licensed local tour operators, ensuring we navigate through an authentic Iraqi experience with a local touch. Their presence guarantees local insight and ensures top-tier service throughout the trip by supporting you throughout the journey.
From the moment we land at the international airport until the moment we depart, you will have both the Ziyara Tours team & the local tour operator alongside you to provide you extra confidence and ease knowing that we are here to serve and support your journey.
Hospitality Of The Locals
The warmth and hospitality of the Iraqi people remain unmatched. They eagerly welcome Western Muslims and all visitors alike, ensuring your experience is enriched with genuine interactions and shared moments of mutual appreciation. You are guaranteed to feel the sense of brotherhood and sisterhood which enhances the feeling of being a part of such an amazing Ummah.
Visiting As A Sunni
Iraq’s spiritual landscape beautifully weaves together diverse Islamic traditions, resonating with unity and brotherhood. For Sunni Muslims considering a visit, the welcoming embrace of Iraq might surprise you. While Shia Muslims form a significant part of the population, Sunnis also have a strong presence, making up about a third of the community. This balance ensures an inclusive and familiar environment for all visitors.
The heart of Iraq lies in its people’s hospitality and their genuine brotherhood. Many revered Maqams are managed by Sunnis such as the Masjid of Shaykh Abdul Qadir Al-Jailani (RA) and Imam Abu Hanifa (RA), we will visit these Masjids for some prayers & Jummah.
In Iraq, you’re not just a traveler; you’re a cherished guest in a land echoing with centuries of Islamic heritage.
Transport
All our coaches are equipped with air-conditioning and maintained to ensure that as you traverse Iraq’s diverse and mesmerizing landscape, your journey remains uninterrupted and serene. It’s our commitment to ensure that every aspect of your travel experience echoes the comfort and peace of this spiritual pilgrimage.
Hotels
Accommodation is a crucial aspect of any trip. Our selection comprises of 4* and 5* hotels, promising the comfort and luxury essential after a day of exploration. These hotels, frequented by Western travelers, ensure that the stay is as memorable as the journey itself.
Spiritual & Educational
Every step in this land isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s an opportunity for reflection, for drawing parallels with our present lives, and for connecting deeply with our Creator, our Prophets (AS) and our righteous predecessors. This journey offers more than just historical insights; it promises a renewed connection with the tenets of Islam, a strengthened bond with our Lord, and a heartfelt appreciation for the luminaries who illuminated our path with their piety and wisdom.
Reminiscing of its great past, it was in these lands of Baghdad where the Golden Era of Islam was established under the Abbasids. A destination which scholars and many Muslims had once flocked to.
Don’t merely read about them; walk in their footsteps, breathe in their legacies, and let Iraq’s spiritual tapestry envelop your heart and soul.
Can I Visit From The UK?
Yes, you are permitted to travel from the UK to Iraq. The UK government offers travel advice for various destinations, including Iraq. It’s important to note that this guidance is advisory in nature and not binding. While the government doesn’t restrict travel to Iraq, they recommend travellers to familiarise themselves with their travel advice, complemented by other credible sources, and make their own informed decision about travelling. We have highlighted an extract of this and a link to the relevant travel advice page for Iraq below.
UK Travel Advice.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel. (www.gov.uk)
The extract from the UK government on advice to travel suggests that you should consider the travel advice together with information from other sources to make an informed decision.
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