Northwestern Iraq

Northwestern Iraq (also known as Al-Jazira, Upper Mesopotamia, Assyria, Nineveh, or Ninawa) is a region largely between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in the northwestern part of Iraq.

	WARNING: Northwestern Iraq remains extremely dangerous and is not safe for travelers due to terrorism and armed conflict. All travel to this region should be avoided.
	Government travel advisories Canada United States
	(Information last updated Mar 2019)

Cities

🌍 Kirkuk - A largely Kurdish city that is under control of the Iraqi Government.
🌍 Mosul - The site of Nineveh, the Al-Nuri Mosque, and other sites, nearly all of which were destroyed during the conflict with ISIS.
🌍 Sinjar- Near the Syrian border.
🌍 Tal Afar- Home to a large Ottoman-era fortress.
🌍 Tikrit- The birthplace of Saddam Hussein, the former dictator of Iraq.

Other destinations

🌍 Assur - UNESCO World Heritage site. A ruin that once served as the capital of the Assyrian Empire.
🌍 Hatra, archaeological UNESCO World Heritage site, partially destroyed by ISIS in 2015.

Understand

Get in

As of 2019, Northwestern Iraq remains extremely dangerous for travelers. Bullet holes dot buildings, carcasses of bombed vehicles are stacked along the road, and numerous checkpoints dot the highways. In addition to being treated as a suspect for suspicious activity by the military, one runs the risk of being totally exposed if a full car search is conducted (which occurs frequently).

When traveling to Iraqi Kurdistan, avoid this province. Taxi drivers will not be keen on traveling to NW Iraq themselves.

Be wary if accepting a ride from someone travelling to Kirkuk or Baghdad-- people from these regions are desensitized in some respects, and will drive around Northwestern Iraq (through its suburbs) to shave off a half hour of driving time (by not driving around the Mosul province).

You can realize that you're entering Northwestern Iraq by the flags at the checkpoints. Know the difference between Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan flags.

Get around

The roads in NW Iraq are in the worst condition in the country, often badly damaged and littered with landmines.

See

Assur

🌍 Assur. These are the ruins of a city founded around 2500 BC and inhabited until the 14th century AD. It's inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Drink

The drinking age of Iraq is 21.

Stay safe

Northwestern Iraq is unsafe for any travel or sightseeing. Although ISIS has been largely driven out, the threat of terrorism remains strong, the cities are mostly in ruins, and landmines still litter the entire region.

Go next

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