Ibrahim Saleh: A Tour Guide Showing How Iraqi Civilistion Is Lived, Not Merely Remembered

For thousands of years, Iraq has been more than a location it is the cradle of human history. Along the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates, the first city was built, the first words were inscribed, and the first law was written. Here, history is not a distant memory; it is alive in bustling markets, ancient alleys, and in the faces of people carrying the spirit of the earliest civilisations.

Tourism in Iraq goes beyond archaeological sites. It is an encounter with the world’s collective memory, a journey that connects people to place. Every city tells a story, every stone bears the imprint of a civilisation, and every human interaction adds depth to the experience.

At the heart of this revival is tour guide Ibrahim Salah, a witness and bridge between Iraq and international visitors.

“Since 2022, my journey as a tour guide has been shaped by discovery and deeply human moments,” Ibrahim told IINA. “In the early days, I guided small groups of independent travellers who were passionate about history and eager to experience an authentic civilisation.”

Visitors are often struck by Iraq’s rich historical legacy and cultural diversity from Mesopotamia to Babylon, Ur, and Assyria alongside welcoming landscapes and communities. Ibrahim recalled a U.S. tourist who described Baghdad as being safer than the state of Texas and returned three times, praising the hospitality and respect she received.

Many tourists and content creators have shared their experiences online, reaching thousands of viewers. Videos highlighting archaeological sites, natural landscapes, Iraqi cuisine, and local interactions are reshaping Iraq’s image internationally and inspiring curiosity and admiration.

Tourism interest in Iraq has steadily grown, focusing on authentic cultural experiences rather than luxury travel. Many visitors are drawn by Mesopotamia, Babylon, Hammurabi, cuneiform, and the Code of Hammurabi the world’s first written law.

“Since my childhood, I dreamed of visiting Mesopotamia, the place where human civilisation began,” one tourist shared.

According to global data from the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, while international tourism grew 11% worldwide in 2024, Iraq’s tourism sector saw a 25% increase in revenues compared with 2023, reflecting growing confidence and renewed visitor activity.

Today, Iraq stands as a living testament to human civilisation, rich in history, culture, and heritage. The country’s authentic image, amplified through media and personal narratives, is beginning to reach the world. Thoughtful campaigns can highlight Iraq’s historical depth, vibrant culture, and the warmth of its people, inviting travellers to experience the land where civilisation first began.

Iraq is the heart of human history the home of the first city, the first law, and the first written word. Today, the world is invited not just to rediscover Iraq, but to experience it as a living civilisation through the voices of those who journey here.

Source: Ibrahim Salah, Tourist Guide