The Ahwar of Southern Iraq

UNESCO SitesDhi Qar, Maysan & Basra

A mixed natural and cultural World Heritage Site: marshes, biodiversity and the relict cities of Mesopotamia.

Inscribed in 2016, the site brings together three marsh areas with the archaeological cities of Uruk, Ur and Eridu.

Where to experience it

Mesopotamian Marshes

A UNESCO-listed world of water, reeds and water buffalo — home of the Ma'dan people and their extraordinary reed architecture.

Stories24 September 20261 min read

Buffalo at dawn, reeds at dusk — what it's like to sleep in a mudhif in Chibayish.

By Omar Hassan

Our heritage journeys pair you with archaeologists and local historians.