The name of Baghdad used to evoke images of Arabian Nights, Harems and Sultans. Since the Gulf War most people think of war, destruction and Saddam Hussein. Both images are more or less correct

Baghdad has had its fair share of warfare in its long history. The fairytale city it once was, capital of the Abbaside Caliphate, was destroyed by the Mongol invaders in 1258. Baghdad did recover but it never regained the supremacy over the Middle East again.

There are still a lot of impressive monuments in Baghdad. The Mustansiriyah School, the Abbasid Palace, Khan Murjan and the Al-Khadhimain Mosque are worth a visit. There are also a few good Museums, especially the Iraqi museum should not be missed.