Basra

Basra is a major port city located in southern Iraq.

It serves as the capital of the Basra Governorate. It is the third largest city in Iraq, following Baghdad and Mosul. The city sits near the border between Iraq and Iran. It is built along the banks of the Shatt al-Arab river. This river eventually empties into the Persian Gulf. The climate is extremely hot. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 50 degrees Celsius.

The city's origins date back to 636 during the Islamic era. It began as a military garrison for Arab tribesmen. These soldiers were part of the armies of the Rashidun Caliph, Umar. The camp was built on the site of an old Persian settlement. This site was called Vaheštābād Ardašīr.

The name Basra may have several meanings. In Arabic, it can mean "the overwatcher." This might refer to its role as a military base. Some suggest it comes from an Aramaic word meaning "place of huts." The original camp was located about 15 kilometers southwest of the modern city. This site is still marked by the Imam Ali Mosque.

Developing the city required massive engineering efforts. The original site lacked easy access to fresh water. It also lacked fertile farmland for food. To solve this, leaders invested in a vast irrigation system. This system covered approximately 57,000 hectares. It stretched between the Shatt al-Arab and a western channel of the Tigris.

This project involved moving an enormous amount of earth. One estimate suggests that 45 million tons of soil were moved. This work was incredibly difficult. It may have required 25,000 men working for a decade. Much of this labor was performed by African Zanj slaves. They cleared salty topsoil to create ridges for farming.

However, the irrigation system faced a major technical problem. The canals were built with too little slope. This meant the water could not wash away salt deposits. Over time, the soil became too saline for most crops. This led to the abandonment of the old irrigation infrastructure. In the late 900s, the city was entirely relocated. It moved to its current location on the banks of the Shatt al-Arab. This move allowed the city to better utilize maritime trade.

Basra has experienced many different rulers throughout its history. In 1258, the Mongols sacked the city. Later, the Portuguese took control in 1526.

The Ottoman Empire also ruled the city as part of the Basra Eyalet. During World War I, British forces captured Basra in 1914.

After 1921, it was part of Mandatory Iraq. It eventually became part of the independent Kingdom of Iraq in 1932. The city has been a frequent battlefield in many modern wars. It suffered heavy damage during the Iran-Iraq War and the Gulf War.

In 2003, a United States-led coalition captured the city.

During the Islamic Golden Age, Basra was a famous center of knowledge. It was home to the Basra School of Grammar. Many famous intellectuals lived there, including the polymath Ibn al-Haytham. The city was also a major hub for trade and commerce. It was even the historical starting point for the journeys of Sinbad the Sailor. Today, the population is mostly Arab Shia Muslims. There is also a large Sunni minority.

In the modern era, Basra is a vital industrial and transport hub. It is Iraq's only coastal region. The area possesses abundant oil reserves.

These resources make it a major economic center. Following recent wars, the city has seen new development. Foreign investments have funded many reconstruction projects. One major project is the Grand Faw Port. This port is expected to bring global attention to the region. The city continues to grow as a central point for trade and industry.