Tour in the South
BABEL:
Hilla is the center of the governorate of Babel. A modern city in an
ancient and historical environment. It is called “Alfaiha’” for her
Green orchard and palm groves.
Hilla is 100 kilometers to the south-west of Baghdad; it is linked with
the capital by an excellent high way and railways with regular daily
trips from Baghdad and Basrah.
In Hilla on the river front, there is a casino in the middle of a cast
garden 15,000 square meters in area.
KERBALA:
It lies 102 kms, away from Baghdad, 78 kms away from Najaf and 45 kms,
away from Hilla. The city has 250 room Hawra hotel, as well as the 250
room Kerbala tourist hotel.
NAJAF:
“Najaf”, the holy city of imam Ali Bin Abi Talib, the center of the
governorate, lies 60 kms south of Hilla. One of Islam’s most important
seats of religious instruction, Najaf has many schools where Arabic
grammar, theology, history and literature are taught. Thousands of
pilgrims vist the city annually. A tourist 250 room hotel has been put
up in Najaf.
AL MUTHANNA
Samawa the centre of the governorate is famous for its Lake Sawa.
THI QAAR
Nasiriya the centre of the governorate lies 208 Kms from Basrah and 375
Kms from Baghdad. It is famous for its magnificent marsh lands and
specially “Hor Al-hammar”, which suffered extensive drainage schemes by
the late reign. Nasirya which is about 15 kms from Ur has a big rest
house for tourists.
WASIT
As you tour the south, perhaps before going into the fantastic marshes,
it would be a good thing to go to Kut the centre of wasit governorate
which was named after ancient city “Wasit “ which lies amidst its ruins.
Kut, which lies 172 kms to the south of Baghdad on the Tigris, is also
famous for its dam which was built in the last century to control
irrigation and water of Gharaf and Tigris rivers.
MEESAN
The centre of the governorate is the beautiful city of “Amara” which
lies on the Tigris some 366 kms from Baghdad, and 182 kms north of
Basra. It is famous with its marshes, like all other southern
governorates. Hunting, water fowling is a very much practiced sport
during Autumn and winter. Meesan has vegetable oil, detergents, paper
and sugar factories.
QADISIYA
Diwaniya the center of the governorate lies 181 kms from Baghdad on the
Euphrates. It had its name after the Battle of Qadisiya where Saad Bin
Abi Waqqas had beaten the Persian army in a decisive battle. Diwaniya is
famous for its orchards and palm groves.
BASRAH
Basra, the pearl of the Gulf and the bride of Shatt al Arab, a modern
city, yet her name goes deep in history. Her criss-crossed streets,
water ways and canals make her the “Venice of the East”. The beautiful
gardens, and its old Islamic architecture give the impression that it is
an old city with a modern spirit. The city is made up of three main
residential areas: Basra proper, Margil and Ashar, the last particularly
interesting for the curiosities that fill its Bazaars.
