Editing Baghdad (section)

== Cityscape ==
The Round City was the core of the city, during the establishment of Baghdad. It ceased to exist, as a result of the Mongolian siege. Urban features such as streets, avenues, alleyways and squares clusters a large number of landmarks, which itself creates an identity of cultural or intellectual hubs and define the beauty of Baghdad.

[[Al-Rasheed Street]] is one of the most significant landmarks in Baghdad. Located in al-Rusafa area, the street was an artistic, intellectual and cultural center for many Baghdadis. It also included many prominent theaters and nightclubs such as the Crescent Theatre where Egyptian Singer [[Umm Kulthum]] sang during her visit in 1932 as well as the Chakmakji Company that recorded the music of various Arab singers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=جواد |first=قحطان جاسم |title=أم كلثوم ونجيب الريحاني وبديعة مصابني قدموا أبرز أعمالهم على مسارحه.. جولة في شارع الرشيد في بغداد في ذكرى تأسيسه |work=الجزيرة نت |url=https://www.aljazeera.net/arts/2021/7/23/%d9%81%d9%8a-%d8%b0%d9%83%d8%b1%d9%89-%d8%aa%d8%a3%d8%b3%d9%8a%d8%b3%d9%87-%d8%b4%d8%a7%d8%b1%d8%b9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b1%d8%b4%d9%8a%d8%af-%d8%a3%d9%8a%d9%82%d9%88%d9%86%d8%a9 |access-date=23 July 2023 |publisher=Al Jazeera |language=ar}}</ref> The street also contains famous and well-known landmarks including the ancient [[Haydar-Khana Mosque]] as well as numerous well-known cafés such as [[al-Zahawi Café]] and the [[Brazilian Café]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=الحيدر خانة تتكسر معالمه ووزارة الثقافة تعلّق بإحباط على إعمار محتضن قادة ثورة العشرين! » وكالة بغداد اليوم الاخبارية |url=https://baghdadtoday.news/155095-.html |access-date=23 July 2023 |website=وكالة بغداد اليوم الاخبارية |language=ar}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=الگاردينيا – مجلة ثقافية عامة – مقاهي بغداد ... ذاكرة المكان وملتقى الثقافة |url=https://www.algardenia.com/2015-09-17-21-42-52/35437-2018-05-15-08-52-14.html |access-date=23 July 2023 |website=algardenia.com}}</ref>

[[Mutanabbi Street]] is located near the old quarter of Baghdad; at Al-Rasheed Street. It is the historic center of Baghdadi book-selling, a street filled with bookstores and outdoor book stalls. It was named after the 10th-century classical Iraqi poet [[Al-Mutanabbi]].<ref name="NYTimes2008">{{cite news |last=Owles |first=Eric |date=18 December 2008 |title=Then and Now: A New Chapter for Baghdad Book Market |url=http://baghdadbureau.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/18/then-and-now-a-new-chapter-for-baghdad-book-market/?hp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221035319/http://baghdadbureau.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/18/then-and-now-a-new-chapter-for-baghdad-book-market/?hp |archive-date=21 December 2008 |access-date=19 May 2010 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> This street is well established for bookselling and has often been referred to as the heart and soul of the Baghdad literacy and intellectual community.<ref name="NYTimes2008" /> [[Firdos Square]] is a public open space in Baghdad and the location of two of the best-known hotels, the Palestine Hotel and the Sheraton Ishtar, which are both also the tallest buildings in Baghdad.<ref>{{cite news |date=17 December 2006 |title=Iraq: A Guide to the Green Zone |url=http://www.newsweek.com/iraq-guide-green-zone-105823 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127084118/http://www.newsweek.com/iraq-guide-green-zone-105823 |archive-date=27 January 2018 |access-date=27 January 2018 |newspaper=Newsweek}}</ref> The square was the site of the statue of Saddam Hussein that was pulled down by the coalition forces in a widely televised event during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

[[Qushla]] or Qishla is a public square and the historical complex located in [[Al-Rusafa, Iraq|al-Rusafa]] neighborhood at the riverbank of [[Tigris]].<ref name="Arraf-2018">[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/12/al-qushla-iraq-oasis-free-expression-201412287593144958.html Al-Qushla: Iraq's oasis of free expression.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116193419/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/12/al-qushla-iraq-oasis-free-expression-201412287593144958.html|date=16 January 2018}} ''Al-Jazeera''. Retrieved 16 January 2018.</ref> The place and its surroundings is where the historical features and cultural capitals of Baghdad are concentrated, from the [[Mutanabbi Street]], Abbasid-era palace and bridges, Ottoman-era mosques to the [[Mustansariyah Madrasa]].<ref name="Arraf-2018" /> The square developed during the Ottoman era as a military barracks.<ref name="Arraf-2018" /> Today, it is a place where the citizens of Baghdad find leisure such as reading poetry in gazebos.<ref name="Arraf-2018" /> It is characterized by the iconic clock tower which was donated by [[George V]].<ref name="Arraf-2018" /> The entire area is submitted to the [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]] [[List of World Heritage Sites in Iraq|Tentative list]].<ref>[https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5880/ 5880] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104073321/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5880/|date=4 January 2018}}. ''UNESCO''. Retrieved 16 January 2018.</ref>

=== Architecture ===
During the 1970s and 1980s, [[Saddam Hussein]]'s government spent a lot of money on new monuments, mosques, palaces and hotels.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ouroussoff |first=Nicolai |date=2003-12-15 |title=Patron of fear |url=https://www.latimes.com/la-et-ouroussoff15dec15-story.html |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> The Street is also notable for its architecture and aesthetic which was inspired by [[Renaissance architecture]] and also includes the famous Iraqi [[Mashrabiya|shanasheel]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 June 2017 |title=عراقٌ انا {{!}} الشـناشـيل ج2 |url=https://iraqonana.com/2017/06/21/%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b4%d9%80%d9%86%d8%a7%d8%b4%d9%80%d9%8a%d9%84-%d8%ac2/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614022127/https://iraqonana.com/2017/06/21/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D9%80%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B4%D9%80%D9%8A%D9%84-%D8%AC2/ |archive-date=14 June 2023 |access-date=23 July 2023 |website=عراقٌ انا |language=ar}}</ref>

=== Landmarks ===
[[File:Al-Faw palace on the Victory Base Complex in Baghdad, Iraq.jpg|thumb|Al-Faw palace, today serves as the [[American University of Iraq - Baghdad|American University of Baghdad]]|left]]The [[National Museum of Iraq]] whose collection of artifacts was looted during the invasion, and the iconic [[Hands of Victory]] arches.<ref name="Burkeman-2003">{{Cite news |last=Burkeman |first=Oliver |date=15 April 2003 |title=Ancient archive lost in Baghdad library blaze |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/apr/15/education.books |access-date=28 November 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Multiple political parties are in discussions as to whether the arches should remain as historical monuments or be dismantled.<ref name="Burkeman-2003" /> Thousands of ancient manuscripts in the [[Iraq National Library and Archive|National Library]] were destroyed under [[Saddam]]'s command.<ref name="Burkeman-2003" />

[[Grand Festivities Square]] is the main square where public celebrations are held and is also the home to three important monuments commemorating Iraqi's fallen soldiers and victories in war; namely Al-Shaheed Monument, the [[Victory Arch]] and the [[The Monument to the Unknown Soldier|Unknown Soldier's Monument]].<ref name="Makiya">{{citation |last1=Makiya |first1=K. |title=The Monument: Art, Vulgarity, and Responsibility in Saddam Hussein's Iraq |page=29 |last2=Al-Khalilm |first2=S.}}</ref> [[Al-Shaheed Monument]], also known as the Martyr's Memorial, is a monument dedicated to the Iraqi soldiers who died in the [[Iran–Iraq War]].<ref name="Makiya" /> However, now it is generally considered by Iraqis to be for all of the martyrs of Iraq, especially those allied with Iran and Syria fighting ISIS, not just of the Iran–Iraq War.<ref name="Makiya" /> The monument was opened in 1983, and was designed by the Iraqi architect Saman Kamal and the Iraqi sculptor and artist [[Ismail Fatah Al Turk]].<ref name="Makiya" /> Though these works symbolize the ruling entity.<ref name="Stanek-2020" /> Neverthelsess, they have remained part of architectural legacy, which beautified Baghdad.<ref name="Stanek-2020" />
[[File:6th Muharram 1434, Kadhimiya 05.jpg|thumb|[[Al-Kazimiyya Mosque]]]]
[[Al-Kazimiyya Mosque|Masjid Al-Kadhimain]] is a shrine that is located in the [[Kadhimiyyah|Kādhimayn suburb]] of Baghdad.<ref name="Al-Jawadain20092"/><ref name="dome">{{cite web |script-title=ar:افتتاحية قبة الامام الجواد عليه السلام |url=http://www.aljawadain.org/AKHBAR/news.php?action=view&id=5 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090813105435/http://www.aljawadain.org/AKHBAR/news.php?action=view&id=5 |archive-date=13 August 2009 |access-date=27 April 2009 |work=aljawadain.org |language=ar}}</ref> It contains the tombs of the seventh and ninth [[Twelver]] [[Imamah (Shia doctrine)|Shi'ite Imam]]s, [[Musa al-Kadhim]] and [[Muhammad at-Taqi]] respectively, upon whom the title of ''Kādhimayn'' ("Two who swallow their anger") was bestowed.<ref name="KazemOmmolKitab">{{cite web |title=تاریخچه حرم کاظمین |url=http://kazem.ommolketab.ir/تاريخچه-حرم-كاظمين/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310210746/http://kazem.ommolketab.ir/%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AE%DA%86%D9%87-%D8%AD%D8%B1%D9%85-%D9%83%D8%A7%D8%B8%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%86/ |archive-date=10 March 2018 |access-date=15 June 2017 |publisher=kazem.ommolketab.ir |language=fa}}</ref><ref name="dome" /><ref name="Al-Jawadain20092"/> Many Shi'ites travel to the mosque from far away places to commemorate those imams.<ref name="Al-Jawadain20092"/><ref name="dome" /> [[A'dhamiyyah]] is a predominantly Sunni area with a [[Abu Hanifa Mosque|Mosque]] that is associated with the Sunni Imam [[Abu Hanifa]]. The name of ''Al-Aʿẓamiyyah'' is derived from Abu Hanifa's title, ''al-Imām al-Aʿẓam'' (the Great Imam).<ref name="al-Aadhamy – p.29">{{cite book |last1=al-Aadhamy |title=History of the Great Imam mosque and al-Adhamiyah mosques 1 |page=29}}</ref><ref name="History of the Mosque of Abu Hanifa and its school">{{cite web |last1=Al Shakir |first1=Osama S. |date=20 October 2013 |title=History of the Moof Abu Hanifa and its school |url=http://abu-hanefa.blogspot.com/2013/10/blog-post_30.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831083952/https://abu-hanefa.blogspot.com/2013/10/blog-post_30.html |archive-date=31 August 2017 |access-date=20 June 2017 |website=Abu Hanifa An-Nu'man Mosque}} (in [[Arabic]])</ref>

The historic Jewish quarters of [[Bataween]] and [[Shorja]] is home to numerous sites that are associated with Jews.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Mahmoud |first1=Sinan |last2=Al-Ameri |first2=Aymen |title=Restoring Al Bataween – a symbol of Baghdad's lost diversity |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2024/06/21/restoring-al-bataween-a-symbol-of-baghdads-lost-diversity/ |access-date=28 November 2024 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref> These sites were preserved during the Ba'athist regime.<ref name="Al-Ahmed-2021">{{Cite web |last=Al-Ahmed |first=Zeyad |date=11 March 2021 |title=Iraqi Jews share a deeply rooted heritage |url=https://www.jns.org/iraqi-jews-share-a-deeply-rooted-heritage/ |access-date=28 November 2024 |website=JNS.org |language=en-US}}</ref> However, after 2003, many of them are in poor conditions.<ref name="Al-Ahmed-2021" /> [[Meir Taweig Synagogue]] is the only active synagogue of Iraq, which have a large compound, that consist of community center, Jewish school and library.<ref name="Al-Ahmed-2021" /> [[Shorja|Daniel Market]] (''Souq Danial''), which was named after [[Menahem Saleh Daniel]], still bears the same name. It is popular for fabrics and shoes.<ref name="Al-Ahmed-2021" /> The [[Great Synagogue of Baghdad]], the oldest synagogue of Iraq, is now restored as a museum.<ref name="Al-Ahmed-2021" /> [[Al-Habibiyah Jewish Cemetery|Al-Habibiyah Cemetery]] is the largest Jewish cemetery in Baghdad, home to around 1,000 graves.<ref name="Al-Ahmed-2021" /> The Tomb of Joshua, now a Muslim shrine, is believed to be the burial site of [[Joshua]].<ref name="Al-Ahmed-2021" /> Shaykh Yitzhak Tomb and Synagogue was preserved until 2003. Today it is neglected. Other sites includes House of [[Sassoon Eskell]] and library of [[Mir Basri]].<ref name="Al-Ahmed-2021" />

The [[Sabian–Mandaean Mandi of Baghdad]] is a Mandaen temple in al-Qadisiyyah.<ref name="Cese-2024">{{Cite web |title=مندى الصابئة / الصابئة المندائية – بغداد |url=https://www-cese-iq.translate.goog/churchesAndConvents/SabianCon/MandaAlSabaa-Baghdad/MandaAlSabaa-Baghdad.html?_x_tr_sl=ar&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc |access-date=2 October 2024 |website=www-cese-iq.translate.goog}}</ref> It is the main community center for Mandaeans in Iraq.<ref name="Cese-2024"/> Plans are underway to demolish and build a larger one to accommodate more worshippers.<ref name="Cese-2024"/> A cultural institute for Mandeans is also in Baghdad.<ref>{{Cite web |title=المندائيون يحتفلون بافتتاح أول صرح معرفي وثقافي لهم في بغداد |url=https://aawsat-com.translate.goog/home/article/41856?_x_tr_sl=ar&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc |access-date=1 December 2024 |website=Asharq Al-Awsat |language=ar}}</ref> The city is home to [[Baba Nanak Shrine]], a sacred site in Sikhism.<ref name="Baghdad2"/> It was destroyed during the Iraq War in 2003.<ref name="Baghdad2"/> In the [[Kadhimiya]] district of Baghdad, was the house of [[Baháʼu'lláh]], (Prophet Founder of the [[Baháʼí Faith|Baha'i Faith]]) also known as the "Most Great House" (Bayt-i-A{{okina}}zam) and the "House of God", where Baháʼu'lláh mostly resided from 1853 to 1863. It is considered a holy place and a [[Baháʼí pilgrimage|place of pilgrimage by Baha'is]] according to their "[[Kitáb-i-Aqdas|Most Holy Book]]".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Smith |first=Peter |title="Baghdad: the House of Baháʼu'lláh" A concise encyclopedia of the Baháʼí Faith |publisher=Oxford: Oneworld Publications |year=2000 |isbn=978-1-85168-184-6 |location=Oxford |pages=66–67 |language=English}}</ref> On 23 June 2013, the house was destroyed under unclear circumstances.<ref name="BWNS-2013" />
[[Baghdad Zoo]] used to be the largest [[zoological park]] in the [[Middle East]]. Within eight days following the 2003 invasion, however, only 35 of the 650 animals in the facility survived.<ref name="BBC radio 4, zoo">{{cite news |date=4 September 2007 |title=''The Choice'', featuring Lawrence Anthony |url=http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/4a456893b10c4c55a2d0fbda730485c5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010055656/http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/4a456893b10c4c55a2d0fbda730485c5 |archive-date=10 October 2017 |access-date=4 September 2007 |publisher=[[BBC Radio 4]]}}</ref> This was a result of theft of some animals for human food, and starvation of caged animals that had no food.<ref name="BBC radio 4, zoo" /> Conservationist [[Lawrence Anthony]] and some of the zoo keepers cared for the animals and fed the carnivores with donkeys they had bought locally.<ref name="BBC radio 4, zoo" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=Anthony |first1=Lawrence |url=https://archive.org/details/babylonsarkincre0000anth |title=Babylon's Ark; The Incredible Wartime Rescue of the Baghdad Zoo |author2=Spence Grayham |date=3 June 2007 |publisher=[[Thomas Dunne Books]] |isbn=978-0-312-35832-7 |url-access=registration}}</ref> Eventually [[Paul Bremer]], Director of the [[Coalition Provisional Authority]] in Iraq after the invasion, ordered protection for the zoo and enlisted U.S. engineers to help reopen the facility.<ref name="BBC radio 4, zoo" /> Al-Zawraa Park is also part of the zoo, which is main urban park of the city.<ref name="BBC radio 4, zoo" /><gallery mode="packed" heights="140">
File:Inbound3876607660648875635احد ابواب القصر العباسي.jpg|[[Abbasid Palace]]
File:بناية المتحف البغدادي.jpg|[[Baghdadi Museum]]
File:Iraqi Museum.jpg|[[Iraq Museum|Iraq National Museum]]
File:Al-Zawra'a Park.png|[[Al-Zawra'a Park]]
File:Al Salam Palace Iraq.jpg|[[As-Salam Palace|Al-Salam Palace]]
File:DJK 8850tm.jpg|[[Al-Faw Palace]]
File:تمثال رئيس الوزراء العراقي الأسبق عبد الكريم قاسم في شارع الرشيد بجانب الرصافة من بغداد.jpg|[[Abd al-Karim Qasim Museum]]
</gallery>