Bagdad

Bagdad, also spelled Baghdad, is the capital and largest city of Iraq, situated on the Tigris River in the central part of the country. It functions as the political, economic, and cultural heart of Iraq, hosting government ministries, universities, media outlets, and major commercial districts. The Baghdad metropolitan area is estimated to house around 9 million people.

Bagdad was founded in 762 CE by the Abbasid caliph al-Mansur as the new capital of the Abbasid Caliphate. It became a leading center of learning and commerce during the Islamic Golden Age, with institutions such as the House of Wisdom and extensive trade networks. The city declined after the Mongol invasion of 1258 but remained an important administrative center under later empires, including the Ottomans.

In the 20th century, Bagdad became the capital of the Kingdom of Iraq and later of the Iraqi republic. The city has experienced periods of growth and modernization as well as conflict, particularly after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion and the ensuing years of sectarian violence. Reconstruction and governance efforts have continued into the 2010s and 2020s.

Geographically, Bagdad sits along the Tigris in the central portion of Iraq. The climate is hot and arid, with very hot summers and mild winters. The city hosts several universities, including the University of Baghdad, museums, and cultural institutions. Its population is diverse, with Arab and other communities; Arabic is the predominant language, and traditional bazaars and historic neighborhoods remain notable features.