Mesopotamia Travel Guide

Discover the wonders of Mesopotamia with our comprehensive tour guide. From cultural and natural attractions to hiking and biking routes, we've got you covered!


Mesopotamia, located in the Middle East, is considered to be the “Cradle of Civilization.” With a rich history dating back to 10,000 BCE, this region is a treasure trove for history buffs and adventure seekers alike. In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, things to do, places to stay, and more in Mesopotamia.

Introduction to Mesopotamia

Mesopotamia, meaning “land between the rivers,” is situated between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The region encompasses parts of modern-day Iraq, Turkey, and Syria. It is known for being the birthplace of civilization, where some of the earliest forms of human development, such as writing, agriculture, and architecture, were invented.

List of Places to Visit in Mesopotamia

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Mesopotamia is home to many museums and historical sites that showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage. Some of the must-visit cultural attractions in Mesopotamia include:

  • Ur: One of the most important Sumerian cities, known for its ziggurat, which is considered the largest and best-preserved example of this type of structure.
  • Ancient City of Babylon: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
  • Erbil Citadel: A fortified city that has been continuously inhabited for over 5,000 years and is considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
  • Sulaymaniyah Museum: A museum that houses a collection of artifacts from the Kurdish region, including Kurdish clothing, traditional crafts, and historical documents.
  • Mosul Museum: A museum featuring artifacts from the Assyrian, Sumerian, and Babylonian civilizations.

Natural Attractions of Mesopotamia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Mesopotamia is not only rich in history and culture but also in natural wonders. The region offers a variety of outdoor adventures and scenic views. Some of the must-visit natural attractions in Mesopotamia include:

  • Dukan Lake: An artificial lake in Kurdistan that offers breathtaking views and is a popular spot for boating and fishing.
  • Zagros Mountains: A mountain range that spans across Iran, Iraq, and Turkey and offers stunning views and hiking opportunities.
  • Tigris River: A historically significant river that runs through Mesopotamia and offers boat tours and scenic views.
  • Harran: A city that features unique beehive-shaped houses made of mud bricks, which are a must-see for visitors to the region.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mesopotamia

Mesopotamia offers several hiking and biking routes that allow visitors to explore the region’s stunning natural landscapes. Some of the popular routes are:

  • The Lalesh and Mountain Gara Loop: A hiking route that takes visitors through the Yezidi spiritual center Lalesh and up the Gara mountain, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Hiking in the Rawanduz Canyon: A hiking route that takes visitors through the Rawanduz Canyon, where they can see ancient rock carvings and waterfalls.
  • Cizre-Habur Bazaar Biking Trail: A biking trail that takes visitors through the Cizre Bazaar and along the Habur River, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Best Things to Do in Mesopotamia: Activities and Tours

Mesopotamia offers a wide range of activities and tours for visitors to enjoy. Some of the best things to do in Mesopotamia include:

  • Visit a traditional bazaar: Mesopotamia is known for its vibrant markets and bazaars, where visitors can find unique souvenirs and local products.
  • Attend a cultural festival: Mesopotamia hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Kurdish New Year and the Babylon International Festival.
  • Take a cooking class: Mesopotamian cuisine is unique and flavorful, and visitors can learn how to prepare local dishes by taking a cooking class.
  • Visit a vineyard: Mesopotamia is home to several vineyards that produce high-quality wines, and visitors can take a tour and sample some of the wines.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mesopotamia

Day 1: Arrive in Erbil and visit the Erbil Citadel. Day 2: Visit the Sulaymaniyah Museum and the Amna Suraka Museum in Sulaymaniyah. Day 3: Hike in the Rawanduz Canyon and visit the Qalat-e-Jama Citadel. Day 4: Visit the Ancient City of Babylon and the Babylon Archeological Museum. Day 5: Take a boat tour on the Tigris River and visit the Mosul Museum. Day 6: Visit the Cizre Bazaar and the Habur River. Day 7: Depart from Erbil.

Food and Drink Scene of Mesopotamia

Must-Try Dishes

Mesopotamian cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with many unique dishes to try. Some of the must-try dishes in Mesopotamia include:

  • Kebab: A popular dish made with grilled meat, usually lamb or beef.
  • Dolma: A dish made with stuffed vegetables, usually peppers or grape leaves.
  • Tabbouleh: A salad made with parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur wheat.
  • Baklava: A sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough and honey.

Local Beverages

Mesopotamia is known for its tea culture and traditional beverages. Some of the local beverages to try include:

  • Kahwa: A traditional Arabic coffee that is usually served after meals.
  • Sherbet: A non-alcoholic beverage made with fruit syrup and water.
  • Arak: A liquor made from aniseed and grape spirit.
  • Raqshi: A local wine made from grapes and other fruit.

Where to Stay in Mesopotamia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Mesopotamia offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Some of the top places to stay in Mesopotamia include:

  • Divan Erbil Hotel: A luxury hotel located in the heart of Erbil.
  • Dedeman Hotel: A modern hotel located near the Sulaymaniyah Museum.
  • The Grand Millennium Hotel: A five-star hotel located in the center of Sulaymaniyah.
  • Erbil International Hotel: A budget-friendly hotel located in the center of Erbil.

What to Buy in Mesopotamia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Mesopotamia offers a variety of unique souvenirs and local products that make great gifts and mementos. Some of the best things to buy in Mesopotamia include:

  • Kilim rugs: Handmade rugs woven by local artisans.
  • Spices: Mesopotamian cuisine relies heavily on spices, and visitors can find a variety of spice blends to bring home.
  • Pottery: Mesopotamia has a rich tradition of pottery making, and visitors can find beautiful pottery pieces to bring home.
  • Silver jewelry: Silver jewelry is a popular souvenir in Mesopotamia, with designs influenced by local cultures such as the Kurdish and Arab cultures.

Local Culture and Customs of Mesopotamia

Mesopotamians are friendly and welcoming, and visitors can expect a warm reception. However, it’s important to be respectful of the local culture and customs. Some things to keep in mind include:

  • Dress modestly: Mesopotamians have conservative dress customs, so it’s important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious or historical sites.
  • Respect religious customs: Islam is the predominant religion in Mesopotamia, and visitors should be respectful of religious customs, such as covering one’s head in mosques.
  • Avoid public displays of affection: Public displays of affection are not common in Mesopotamia, and visitors should avoid them.
  • Greet people respectfully: Greetings are important in Mesopotamian culture, so visitors should greet people respectfully when meeting them.

Best Time to Visit Mesopotamia

The best time to visit Mesopotamia is from March to May and from September to November when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. Summers can be hot, with temperatures reaching over 100°F, and winters can be chilly, with temperatures dropping below freezing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mesopotamia

Do:

  • Try local cuisine and beverages
  • Learn about the local culture and customs
  • Dress modestly
  • Bargain at markets and bazaars

Don’t:

  • Take photographs of military installations
  • Use the left hand for eating or shaking hands
  • Engage in public displays of affection
  • Drink tap water

Safety and Health

Safety in Mesopotamia

Mesopotamia is relatively safe for visitors, but it’s important to exercise caution, especially when traveling alone or at night. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings and avoid demonstrations and protests. It’s also recommended to hire a local guide when exploring remote areas.

Health in Mesopotamia

Visitors should take precautions to avoid illness, such as drinking bottled water and avoiding street food. It’s also recommended to have up-to-date vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus.

Getting to Mesopotamia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mesopotamia

The main international airports in Mesopotamia are Erbil International Airport (EBL) and Sulaymaniyah International Airport (ISU). Both airports offer domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Mesopotamia

There are several bus stations in Mesopotamia that offer local and regional bus services. Some of the major stations include the Erbil Bus Station, the Sulaymaniyah Bus Station, and the Dohuk Bus Station.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Mesopotamia by car, either by renting a car or hiring a driver. It’s also possible to travel by train, but the network is limited, and the trains can be slow.

How to Get Around in Mesopotamia

The most common mode of transport in Mesopotamia is by public bus or van. Taxi services are also available, but visitors should negotiate fares beforehand. Visitors can also rent a car or bicycle to explore the region at their own pace, but it’s important to be aware of local driving conditions and regulations.

Where to Go Next from Mesopotamia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Mesopotamia is situated in a region with many nearby attractions and destinations. Some of the popular destinations near Mesopotamia include:

  • Istanbul, Turkey: A historic city known for its mosques, bazaars, and rich history.
  • Tehran, Iran: The capital city of Iran, known for its museums and historical landmarks.
  • Petra, Jordan: An ancient city known for its monumental tombs and temples carved into pink sandstone cliffs.

Conclusion

Mesopotamia offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins, hiking through stunning landscapes, or trying delicious cuisine, this region has something for everyone. With this comprehensive tour guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of your visit to Mesopotamia.