Treasures of Iraq

Nestled between the rivers Tigris and Euphrates (Dijla and Furat in Arabic), modern Iraq lies on fertile land that includes ancient Mesopotamia. Long before the great civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome, advanced cultures flourished in the Mesopotamian plain. Cobblestone streets, city building, and architecture itself have their beginnings in Mesopotamia. Indeed, some archaeologists believe that this region is the site of the Biblical Garden of Eden.

Because it lies at the cradle of civilization, the Mesopotamian plain contains archaeological and architectural treasures that date back to the beginning of human history. In the busy city of Baghdad, exquisite medieval buildings tell the stories of many different cultures and religious traditions.

In recent years, the architectural treasures of Iraq were jeopardized by war. Military facilities were often placed dangerously close to great structures and important artifacts, making them vulnerable to blasts. Also, many monuments suffered due to looting and neglect.

Whether or not the war in Iraq could be justified, there is no doubt that the country holds priceless architecture that must be preserved. Follow the links below for photos from Baghdad and Babylon.

PHOTO GALLERY: ARCHITECTURE IN IRAQ

• Baghdad Skyline

• Abbassid Castle, Baghdad, Iraq

• Al Kadhimain Mosque, Baghdad, Iraq

• Damaged Mosque, Baghdad, Iraq

• The former Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq

• Copy of the Ishtar Gate, Babylon, Iraq

• Saddam's Palace - Aerial View

• Saddam's Palace

• Ancient Babylon - Aerial View

• Babylon Plan

• Procession Street

• Marines Approach

• King Nebuchadnezzar's Palace - Courtyard

• King Nebuchadnezzar's Palace - Throne Room

• King Nebuchadnezzar's Throne

• Ancient Brickwork

• Ruins of King Hammurabi

• Ancient Coliseum - 1

• Ancient Coliseum - 2

• Ishtar Gate

• Babylon Ruins