Basrah

Population 406,300

BASRAH is the largest city in southern Iraq, situated on the west bank of Shatt Al-Arab, 55 kms. from the Arabian Gulf and

545 kms. from Baghdad; it is the main gate to the outside world.  Basrah is important in terms of Iraq's and Islam's history,

and is surrounded by the largest plantation of datepalms in the world.  The canals which crisscross Basrah have led to its

being known as the "Venice of the East".  It is also associated with the name of Sinbad the sailor (form"The Thousand and

Nights"), for it was from here that he set out to his seven fabulous voyages.  An Island close to the river bank bears his name

70 kms. north of Basrah is Qurna at the junction of the Tigris and Euphrates:  according to legend, it is the site of the

Garden of Eden!

Basrah, The Port