Amara: The Hidden Gem of Iraq

• Helloسڵاو
  [Slaaw]
• Goodbyeخداحافظ
  [Khuda hafiz]
• Yesبەڵێ
  [Belle]
• Noنەخێر
  [Nekher]
• Please/You're welcomeتکایە/خواستە
  [Takaye/Khwaste]
• Thank youسوپاس
  [Spas]
• Excuse me/Sorryببورە/ببورە
  [Bbore/Bbore]
• How are you?چۆنیەتی؟
  [Choniati?]
• Fine. And you?باشە. تۆ چۆنی؟
  [Bashe. To choni?]
• Do you speak English?زمانی ئینگلیزی بەکار دەهێنیت؟
  [Zmani Englizi bekar dehenit?]
• I don't understandنەفەهمم
  [Nefehemm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseدەتەوێ بەرەوپەڕی ببینم، تکایە
  [Detaewa berewpere bibinam, takaye]
• I don't eat meatمن دەژمان ناخۆشم
  [Min dezhman nakhoesham]
• Cheers!بەخوشی!
  [Bekhoshi!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseدەتەوێ پارە بدەم، تکایە
  [Detaewa pare bdem, takaye]

• Help!یارمەتی!
  [Yarmeti!]
• Go away!دەرەوە بەرەوە!
  [Derewa berewa!]
• Call the Police!پۆلیس پەخش بکە!
  [Polis pekhsh bke!]
• Call a doctor!دۆکتۆر پەخش بکە!
  [Doktor pekhsh bke!]
• I'm lostمن لە ڕێگایەم دەگەڕێم
  [Min le reygayem degarem]
• I'm illمن بیمارم
  [Min bimarem]

• I'd like to buy...دەتەوێ خرید بکەم...
  [Detaewa khreed bikem...]
• I'm just lookingمن تەنها ناردنی دەکاتم
  [Min tenha nardani dekatam]
• How much is it?قەیمەتی ئەوە چییە؟
  [Qeemati awe chiye?]
• That's too expensiveئەوە زۆری گرانە
  [Awe zori grane]
• Can you lower the price?دەتوانی قەیمەت بەخەرەوە بکەیت؟
  [Detwani qeemate bekharewe bkeet?]

• What time is it?کاتێک چندە؟
  [Katek chende?]
• It's one o'clockکاتێکەوە یەکەیە
  [Katekewe yekaye]
• Half past (10)نیمەی یازده
  [Nimeyi yazdeh]
• Morningصبح
  [Sobh]
• Afternoonدوپەڕەم
  [Dopreme]
• Eveningئێوارە
  [Eware]
• Yesterdayدوێنێ
  [Doyene]
• Todayئەمڕۆ
  [Amro]
• Tomorrowسەرەوە
  [Serewe]
• 1یەک
  [Yek]
• 2دوو
  [Dow]
• 3سێ
  [Se]
• 4چوار
  [Chwar]
• 5پێنج
  [Painj]
• 6شەش
  [Shesh]
• 7حەوت
  [Hewt]
• 8هەشت
  [Hasht]
• 9نۆ
  [No]
• 10دە
  [Da]

• Where's a/the...?لەکووی یەکەوە؟
  [Lekoy yekewe?]
• What's the address?ناونیشان چییە؟
  [Nawneeshan chiye?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?دەتوانی پیشانم بدەیت؟
  [Detwani peshanam bdeet?]
• When's the next (bus)?کاتێکی داهاتووی بەردەم؟
  [Kateki dahatowi berdem?]
• A ticket (to ....)بلیت (بۆ ....)
  [Bilit (bo ....)]

Amara, also known as Al-Amarah, is a city in southeastern Iraq that lies on the banks of the Tigris River. It was founded in the late 19th century by the Ottoman Empire as a garrison town. Its strategic location made it an important center for trade and military operations.

During the Ottoman period, Amara served as a key administrative and commercial center. The city's architecture and urban layout were influenced by Ottoman styles, and several administrative buildings and markets from this era still stand today, offering a glimpse into its past.

In the aftermath of World War I, Amara came under British control as part of the larger Mesopotamian Campaign. The city played a significant role during the British Mandate of Mesopotamia, serving as a hub for British administrative and military activities. Several colonial buildings from this period can still be found in the city.

During the Hashemite Kingdom of Iraq (1921-1958), Amara underwent significant modernization efforts. Infrastructure projects, including the development of roads, schools, and hospitals, were initiated to improve the quality of life for its residents. The city also became a focal point for agricultural development due to its fertile lands.

Amara's proximity to the Iran-Iraq border made it a critical location during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988). The city was heavily impacted by the conflict, with many of its residents displaced and infrastructure damaged. Today, memorials and remnants of the war serve as somber reminders of this turbulent period.

Following the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Amara faced significant challenges, including security issues and economic instability. However, the city has been undergoing reconstruction and development efforts aimed at revitalizing its economy and infrastructure. Various NGOs and international organizations have been involved in these efforts, contributing to the city's gradual recovery.

Amara is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant local traditions. The city is famous for its traditional crafts, including weaving and pottery. Festivals and cultural events celebrating local folklore, music, and dance are held regularly, reflecting the city's diverse cultural identity.

Amara is located in the Maysan Governorate in southeastern Iraq. The nearest major airport is Basra International Airport, approximately 200 kilometers away. From Basra, you can take a taxi or a private car to Amara, with the journey typically taking around 3 to 4 hours. Alternatively, there are bus services that operate between Basra and Amara, providing a more budget-friendly option.

Within Amara, transportation options include taxis and minibuses. Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked through hotel services. Minibuses are a common mode of transport for locals and are an affordable way to get around the city. For traveling longer distances or exploring the surrounding areas, hiring a private car is recommended.

The official currency in Iraq is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). While credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger establishments, it is advisable to carry cash, particularly when visiting smaller shops or markets. ATMs are available in Amara, but it is a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash in larger cities like Basra to ensure you have enough funds.

Amara is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Some areas in the city may have higher crime rates, so it is best to stay informed about local conditions and avoid venturing into those neighborhoods without local guidance.

In case of emergency, dial 115 for police assistance and 122 for medical emergencies. Amara has local police stations and medical facilities available. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and religious practices. Always remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Amara like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Iraqi goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the traditional mudhif houses, unique to the Marsh Arabs of the region. For a unique experience, take a boat ride through the marshes, offering a glimpse into the traditional way of life in this part of Iraq.