Welcome to Albasra, a very old and special city in the south of Iraq. It sits where two big rivers meet and flow into the sea. Long ago, it was a busy place for trade, learning, and ships. Today, it is still one of Iraq’s most important cities.
Welcome to Albasra A Very Old City
Albasra also called Basra is a port city in southern Iraq. It is the third largest city in the country. The city lies on the Shatt al Arab waterway, near the Persian Gulf. This makes it a key place for boats and trade.
- It is Iraq main port city
- It is near the border with Iran and Kuwait
- It is one of the hottest cities on Earth
People have lived here for almost 1,400 years. The city has seen many rulers, wars, and changes. But it has always stayed important.
Who Built Albasra and When?
Albasra was built in the year 636 AD. It started as a camp for Arab soldiers during the time of Caliph Umar. The commander Utba ibn Ghazwan set up the first camp. Soon, it grew into a real city.
- Founded in 636 AD as a military camp
- Named by Caliph Umar army
- Built in a circular plan like other early Islamic cities
The original site was about 15 km from today city. It was chosen for its strategic location, even though the land was salty and hard to farm.
Albasra First Mosque One of the Oldest in the World
The first mosque in Albasra was built soon after the city was founded. It is called the Grand Mosque of Basra. It is one of the oldest mosques in Islam.
- Built around 635 to 636 AD
- First mosque outside Mecca and Medina
- Originally made from reeds and plant stems
This mosque still stands today. It is a symbol of the city’s deep Islamic history.
Albasra in the Islamic Golden Age
During the Islamic Golden Age, Albasra was a centre for learning. Scholars studied grammar, poetry, science, and religion there. It helped shape the Arabic language we know today.
- Home to the Basra School of Grammar
- Produced famous poets and scientists
- A hub for trade and knowledge
People from many places came to study and trade in Albasra. It was a city of smart minds and busy markets.
Video Guide
Fun Facts About Albasra
Albasra has many interesting facts. Here are some of the most fun ones. These make the city special and unique.
- It was called the Venice of the East
- It had many canals and boats
- It was Iraq’s main port city
- People from many places lived there
- It still has old wooden houses called Shanasheel
The canals made the city beautiful. Boats moved through them past houses with carved wooden balconies.
Albasra Canals and the Venice of the East
Albasra canals were built between the 16th and 19th centuries. They made the city look like Venice in Italy. Boats moved through them to carry goods and people.
- Canals built in Ottoman times
- Busy with boats and markets
- Now being restored by UNESCO
Today, some canals are polluted or dry. But UNESCO is helping to fix the old houses and waterways.
Albasra Today A Busy Port and Oil Hub
Today, Albasra is still very important. It is Iraq’s main port and sends oil around the world. More than 1.4 million people live there now.
- Iraq biggest port
- Sends oil to many countries
- Home to over 1.4 million people
The city is a mix of old and new. You can see ancient mosques next to modern buildings.
Albasra Old and New Faces
In Albasra, you can see old houses with carved wood next to new shops and roads. The city keeps its history while growing into the future.
- Old houses with wooden balconies
- New buildings and roads
- Mix of history and modern life
The old part of the city is called Al-Ashar. It has narrow streets and traditional houses.
Why Albasra Matters to the World
Albasra is not just an old city. It is a place where history, culture, and learning came together. It helps us understand how people lived, traded, and studied long ago.
- A city of firsts
- A place of learning and trade
- A symbol of Iraq rich past
From its first mosque to its busy port, Albasra has shaped history. It is a city worth knowing about.
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