Basra: The Gem of Southern Iraq

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaa]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك/على الرحب والسعة
  [min fadlek/ala ar-rahb was-saah]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [athara]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayf halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa anta?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al-inglizia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [urid an ara al-qaemah, min fadlek]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la akol al-lahm]
• Cheers!صحتين!
  [sahtain]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awad an adfa, min fadlek]

• Help!النجدة!
  [al-najda!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [insarf!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [itassal bilshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [itassal biltabib!]
• I'm lostأنا ضائع
  [ana daya]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [urid an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarg]
• How much is it?كم سعرها؟
  [kam saerha?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk kafd al-saer?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam al-saa'a?]
• It's one o'clockالواحدة
  [al-wahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [al-ashirah wan-nisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [al-sabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [al-dhuhr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [al-masa]
• Yesterdayالبارحة
  [al-barehah]
• Todayاليوم
  [al-yawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arbaa]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sabaa]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaneya]
• 9تسعة
  [tasea]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين...؟
  [ayna...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma hu al-unwan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tureeni (ala al-kharitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata yaati al-hafilah al-taliyah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى...)
  [tazkirah (ila...)]

Basra was founded in 636 AD by the second Rashidun Caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab. It was established as a military base to support Islamic expansion into the Persian Empire. Situated strategically near the Shatt al-Arab waterway, it quickly grew into a bustling commercial and cultural hub.

During the Abbasid Caliphate, particularly in the 8th and 9th centuries, Basra flourished as a center of learning and culture. The city was home to renowned scholars, poets, and scientists, including the famous mathematician Al-Hasan al-Basri and the polymath Al-Jahiz. Basra's intellectual climate contributed significantly to the Islamic Golden Age.

Basra was a pivotal node in the Silk Road network, serving as a conduit for trade between the East and West. Its port facilitated the exchange of goods such as spices, textiles, and precious metals, making it one of the wealthiest cities in the region. The bustling markets of Basra were known for their diversity and vibrancy.

Basra came under Ottoman rule in the mid-16th century, becoming an important administrative center within the empire. The Ottomans fortified the city and improved its infrastructure, although Basra remained a contested territory due to its strategic importance and economic wealth. This period saw a mix of stability and conflict.

During World War I, Basra was occupied by British forces in 1914. The occupation aimed to secure British interests in the Persian Gulf and safeguard oil supplies. Basra became a key base of operations for the British Mesopotamian campaign. Post-war, it was incorporated into the British Mandate of Mesopotamia until Iraq's independence in 1932.

Basra's strategic location made it a focal point during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988). The city suffered extensive damage due to its proximity to the front lines and frequent bombings. Despite the devastation, Basra played a crucial role in Iraq's defense strategy and logistics throughout the conflict.

Following the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, Basra experienced significant political and social upheaval. The city was a major battleground during the initial invasion and subsequent insurgency. In recent years, Basra has been rebuilding and striving to regain its historical status as a major economic and cultural center in Iraq.

Basra is accessible via Basra International Airport (BSR), which has flights from various international destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange airport transfers to your accommodation. Alternatively, Basra can be reached by train from Baghdad. The journey offers a glimpse of the Iraqi landscape and takes approximately 10-12 hours. Buses and private car hires are also available for travel within Iraq.

Basra has a variety of transportation options. Taxis are the most common and can be hailed on the street or booked through mobile apps. Public buses are available but might be confusing for non-Arabic speakers. Rental cars offer flexibility for exploring the city and surrounding areas but be aware of local driving norms. Water taxis on the Shatt al-Arab River provide a unique way to navigate certain parts of the city.

The official currency in Iraq is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is more commonly used, especially in local markets and smaller establishments. ATMs are available but may not always be reliable, so it's advisable to carry sufficient cash for your needs.

Basra is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and always be aware of your surroundings. Areas such as Al-Hartha and Al-Qurna have higher crime rates and should be visited with caution. It is advisable to travel in groups and avoid displaying valuable items openly.

In case of emergency, dial 115 for police, 122 for medical emergencies, and 113 for the fire department. Basra has several hospitals and clinics that provide medical services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor issues, local pharmacies are accessible and can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly; men should avoid sleeveless shirts, and women should cover their arms and legs. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; remove your shoes before entering mosques and cover your head. Public Transport: Do be respectful and considerate to other passengers. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and use the right hand for giving and receiving items. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food graciously; refusing hospitality can be seen as impolite.

To experience Basra like a local, visit the local souks such as Souk Al-Haraj where you can find a variety of traditional goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and eager to share stories about Basra's rich history. Enjoy a boat ride on the Shatt al-Arab River for a scenic view of the city. Don't miss the Basra Museum, which offers insights into the region's archaeological and cultural heritage.