Knights of Dialogue / 22
Hasan Al-Bashkani / Sinjar
The Al-Jabayish Marshes tell another story of beauty and goodness in Iraq. This vast natural treasure deserves all our attention, and we must work to make it a prominent tourist destination in the country, given its unforgettable splendor. The nature there enchants the eyes, and the houses built from reeds reflect the ingenuity of the southern people, where you don’t feel the summer heat but are instead embraced by the warmth of a beautiful past—a simpler time before technology entered our lives.
Our journey took us to Dhi Qar Governorate, a city that outwardly might seem intimidating based on what is said about it, but internally is a completely different world. It makes no distinction between Muslim and Christian; everyone works with a shared national spirit, for a unified Iraq.
We visited historical sites, most notably the House of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him), which, despite the lack of attention it receives, still stands tall as a testament to human ingenuity—the ability to build, innovate, and defend oneself with simple tools but a sharp mind.
And one cannot pass through Dhi Qar without stopping at the Ziggurat of Ur, the great Sumerian monument that has stood proudly for over four thousand years BCE. This ziggurat is not just an architectural symbol; it is a living witness to the first civilizations that laid the foundations for writing, administration, and urban life. Standing before it, you feel the awe of history and realize that this land was a cradle of knowledge and science, home to humanity’s earliest innovators.
Here, every grain of soil and every drop of water testifies to unique skills and the enduring will of a people whose roots remain deeply planted, continuing to build, create, and show the world their path.
What people here need most is support, encouragement, and government attention to develop these sites, which could become destinations for millions of tourists worldwide due to their psychological, scientific, and social impact. Caring for them does not come from nowhere but from a genuine dedication to Iraq, as they reflect the authentic identity of the country.
