Tag: Iraq

Iraq has a rich history, known as the land of Mesopotamia, one of the earliest cradles of civilization. Ancient Mesopotamia saw the rise of civilizations like the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. The culture of Iraq is diverse, influenced by its long history and various ethnic groups. Iraqi culture includes music, literature, art, and culinary traditions,

Shrine of Imam Hussein, Karbala

Karbala: A Journey Through Time, Faith, & Reflection

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Journeys & Mindscapes5 Comments

The author recalls their visit to Karbala, a sacred city for Shia Muslims, and Babylon, situated near Baghdad. Karbala, known for the Battle of Karbala, holds the shrines of Imam Hussain and his brother Abbas, and boasts a rich history dating back to the Babylonian age. The author describes the spiritual experience of visiting these shrines, the architecture, and the religious significance of the city, as well as the etymology and different names for Karbala. They end with a positive note reflecting on the historical and spiritual aspects of their trip.

Shaduppum: Forgotten City That Whispered Civilization

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Heritage & History11 Comments

The ancient city of Shaduppum, now modern-day Tell Harmal in Iraq, was a significant center during the Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. Known for its rich history, intricate urban layout, and its importance in bureaucracy, commerce, and culture, Shaduppum hosted numerous temples and was a hub for Babylonia's treasury and accounting. Its most notable discoveries include clay tablets inscribed with laws, mathematical equations, and remarkable texts such as The Epic of Gilgamesh, all of which provide valuable insights into the Mesopotamian civilization.

From Clay to Creation: Ninmakh’s Enduring Presence in Babylon

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Heritage & History14 Comments

Among Babylon’s broken bricks and drifting sands, Ninmakh still lingers. Mother of gods and humans, she shaped life from clay and water, blessing birth, healing wounds, and anchoring civilisation itself. Her temple rose again and again, each layer preserving memory. Today, amid ruins and silence, her story whispers of creation, loss, and the enduring feminine sacred within the ancient heart of Mesopotamia forever.

Baghdad: The Eternal City Amidst Time’s Trials

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Heritage & History20 Comments

Baghdad, established in 762 CE by the Abbasid Caliph Al-Mansur, has a rich history marked by its role as a center for culture and intellect during the Islamic Golden Age, particularly under Caliph Harun al-Rashid. Despite facing devastation from the Mongol invasion in 1258, which ended the Abbasid Caliphate, Baghdad has sustained its historical significance. My 13 years living there revealed a resilient city blending modern challenges with its profound past, embodying the enduring human spirit.

Stepping Back in Time: Lost in the Labyrinth of Erbil Citadel

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Heritage & History11 Comments

Settled more than 6,000 years ago, Erbil Citadel is thought to be one of the longest continuously inhabited sites in the world. The Citadel, which rises some 30 meters above the plain, is surrounded by a lower town that developed in the modern city of Erbil. The Erbil Citadel, locally called Qelat, is a tell or occupied mound, and the historical city centre of Erbil. Over the millennia, the Erbil Citadel has taken shape, each generation building new structures on top of those of the previous generation.

Baghdad’s Rare Snowfall: A Winter Wonder

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings6 Comments

In Baghdad, a rare snowfall captivated residents, transforming the bustling city into a serene, white landscape. This extraordinary event, not witnessed for over a decade, sparked reflections on the city's historical anomalies in climate. As the Iraqi Meteorological Organization forecasted further temperature drops, Baghdad's resilience and unpredictability in nature became evident. Amid the snow's quiet beauty, the city's storied past and uncertain future left a lingering sense of mystery.

Walking Through Time: My Journey to Ancient Babylon

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Journeys & Mindscapes15 Comments

Babylon, one of the most influential cities of ancient Mesopotamia, has a history that spans almost two millennia. From its initial foundation as a small Akkadian town in the third millennium BC to its rise as the capital of the Babylonian Empire under Hammurabi's rule, the city has had periods of grandeur and decline. Notable for its significant landmarks like the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Babylon also housed notable figures such as Hammurabi, famous for his code of laws. Its ruins are now in Iraq, open to visitors who want to explore its rich heritage.

The Warka Vase: A Story in Stone

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Heritage & History12 Comments

The Warka Vase, an artifact from 3200 BCE discovered in modern-day Iraq, is revered for its intricate carvings depicting ancient Sumerian mythology. Crafted as a tribute to the goddess Inanna, the vase was found in the temple complex of Uruk, showing the civilization's beliefs and culture. The vase was stolen in 2003, amidst the American invasion, but returned following an amnesty program.

The House of Heaven: Inanna’s Temple & the Architecture of Divine Power

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Heritage & History6 Comments

Inanna, a prominent Mesopotamian goddess, symbolized love, fertility, and war, governing both divine and earthly realms. Her myths illustrate themes of death and rebirth, showcasing her significance in agriculture. Temples dedicated to her served as spiritual and economic centers, influencing later cultures as Ishtar. Her worship declined with the rise of monotheism.