Mosul: The Jewel of Northern Iraq

• Helloسلام
  [salaam]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaa'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك/على الرحب والسعة
  [min fadlik/ala al-rahb was-sa'ah]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  ['udhran]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayf halik?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bi-khayr. wa ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الانجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al-ingliziyya?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأود أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [awad an ara al-qaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul al-lahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awad an adfa', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [al-najdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [iatisil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [iatisil bialtabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت
  [laqad dalalt]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [uriid an ashtri...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat atatala]
• How much is it?بكم هذا؟
  [bikam hadha?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hadha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafe al-si'r?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam al-sa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [al-sa'ah al-wahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [al-ashirah wan-nisf]
• Morningصباح
  [sabah]
• Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [ba'dha al-dhuhur]
• Eveningمساء
  [masa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  ['ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [al-yawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tasia]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• Where's a/the...?أين (ال)...؟
  [ayn (al)...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al-anaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tarini (ala al-khariitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة القادمة؟
  [mata yaati al-haflah al-qadimah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [tadhkirah (ila ....)]

Mosul, known in ancient times as Nineveh, was an important city in the Assyrian Empire. It was founded around the 7th century BCE and became one of the largest cities in the ancient world. The ruins of Nineveh, located on the eastern bank of the Tigris River, are a testament to its historical significance. The city was a hub of commerce, culture, and politics in the Assyrian Empire.

Mosul was conquered by the Islamic Caliphate in 637 CE. Under the Abbasid Caliphate (750–1258 CE), the city flourished as a center of learning, trade, and culture. The Great Mosque of al-Nuri, built in 1172, is one of the notable architectural achievements from this period. The city's strategic location on the Silk Road contributed to its prosperity and cultural exchange.

In 1517, Mosul came under the control of the Ottoman Empire. During the Ottoman period, the city maintained its importance as a commercial and cultural center. The Ottomans built several significant structures, including the Qara Serai (Black Palace) and the Ottoman Bridge. The city's diverse population, including Arabs, Kurds, Assyrians, and Turkmen, contributed to its rich cultural tapestry.

After World War I, Mosul became part of the newly-formed Kingdom of Iraq in 1921. The discovery of oil in the region brought economic growth and geopolitical importance. However, the city also faced periods of conflict and instability, particularly during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) and the Gulf War (1990-1991). In the early 21st century, Mosul was significantly impacted by the Iraq War (2003) and the rise of ISIS, which captured the city in 2014 and held it until 2017.

Mosul is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels. The city's old town, with its narrow alleys and traditional houses, reflects its historical significance. Notable landmarks include the Al-Nuri Mosque with its iconic leaning minaret, the ancient Assyrian ruins of Nineveh, and the Tomb of the Prophet Jonah (Nabi Yunus). Despite recent conflicts, efforts are ongoing to restore and preserve Mosul's cultural treasures.

Mosul has historically been a melting pot of various religious and ethnic communities. The city is home to Sunni and Shia Muslims, Christians (including Chaldeans and Assyrians), Yazidis, and other minority groups. This diversity has influenced Mosul's cultural and social fabric, with numerous churches, mosques, and temples dotting the cityscape. Festivals and religious traditions from different communities coexist, reflecting the city's pluralistic heritage.

Mosul is located in northern Iraq, approximately 400 km north of Baghdad. The nearest international airport is Erbil International Airport, which is about 85 km away. From Erbil, you can take a taxi or arrange for a private car to drive you to Mosul. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can use domestic flights from Baghdad to Erbil and then travel by road to Mosul.

Mosul's public transport system is limited. Taxis are the most common mode of transportation and are relatively inexpensive. It's advisable to agree on the fare before starting the journey. Rental cars are also available but driving can be chaotic, so it is recommended only for experienced drivers. Shared taxis and minibuses, known locally as 'coasters,' serve various neighborhoods and are a cheaper option but may not be as comfortable or reliable.

The official currency in Iraq is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it's essential to carry cash for most transactions. ATMs are available in some parts of Mosul, but they can be unreliable. It's advisable to bring sufficient cash with you or withdraw money in larger cities like Erbil or Baghdad before traveling to Mosul.

Mosul has experienced significant conflict in recent years, and while security has improved, it remains a complex environment. Always stay updated on the current security situation through your embassy or local news sources. Avoid traveling to areas that are not recommended by local authorities or your embassy. Neighborhoods such as the Old City can still be hazardous due to unexploded ordnance and damaged infrastructure. Exercise caution, avoid nighttime travel, and do not wander into unfamiliar areas.

In case of emergency, dial 104 for police assistance, 115 for medical emergencies, and 113 for the fire department. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Major hospitals in Mosul include Al-Salam Hospital and Ibn Sina Teaching Hospital. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city. Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your embassy, handy at all times.

Fashion: Do dress modestly. Men should avoid shorts, and women should cover their arms and legs. A headscarf is recommended for women, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous to other passengers. Don't engage in loud conversations or public displays of affection. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. Use your right hand as the left is considered impolite. Eating & Drinking: Do accept food and drink offerings graciously. Don't eat or drink in public during Ramadan, as it is considered disrespectful to those who are fasting.

To experience Mosul like a local, visit the bustling markets such as the Mosul Souk, where you can buy local produce, spices, and handmade crafts. Engage with locals, who are often warm and welcoming. Try traditional dishes like 'Kubba' (stuffed meat patties) and 'Dolma' (stuffed grape leaves). Don't miss visiting historical sites such as the Al-Nuri Mosque and the Mosul Museum, which showcase the rich history and heritage of the city.