Nineveh

Mosul is Iraq's second-largest city and the capital of Nineveh Governorate, sitting on both banks of the Tigris River in the country's northwest. Known historically as the city opposite ancient Nineveh, it remains a cultural crossroads shaped by Arab, Kurdish, Assyrian, Turkmen and other communities.

The city's landmarks reflect a long and layered history. The Great Mosque of al-Nuri and its leaning al-Hadba minaret, the medieval Mosul citadel of Bash Tapia, historic churches and mosques, and the nearby ruins of ancient Nineveh all mark Mosul as one of the region's most significant heritage centres. The Mosul Museum holds important Assyrian and Islamic collections.

Mosul is divided by the Tigris into an older west bank, where the war-damaged Old City and historic bazaars are being rebuilt, and a more modern east bank with universities, hotels and commercial streets. The city's souks, tea houses and grill restaurants give visitors a strong sense of daily life alongside reconstruction.

As an administrative and economic hub for northern Iraq, Mosul supports trade, education and a growing local business scene, with the University of Mosul among the region's main institutions. The rebuilt Mosul International Airport has restored a key gateway for travellers.

For both leisure and business visitors, Mosul offers a distinctive mix of ancient heritage, ongoing renewal and northern Iraqi culture, making it a meaningful stop for those exploring Iraq beyond Baghdad.