Visitors note the contrast in a single afternoon: passing through the historic old quarter with its crumbling Ottoman-era buildings and narrow alleys, and then finding modern, thriving shopping malls in the Al-Jadriya district.
The National Museum of Iraq , which suffered massive looting in 2003, has been refurbished and reopened, showcasing Mesopotamia's ancient wonders. Furthermore, new monuments like the "Save Iraqi Culture" statue now stand alongside historic landmarks like the Freedom Monument.
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Note: For the best experience, travellers often seek out local guides to navigate the blend of old and new cultural sites.
Nowhere is Baghdad's soul more visible than on Mutanabbi Street . After being crippled by a car bombing in 2007, the historic book market has been fully restored, with outdoor stalls, ancient bookstores, and the iconic Shahbandar Café , where intellectuals discuss politics and poetry over cardamom tea.
