Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Civic Brief • Cities

Baghdad

Baghdad is the capital and largest city of Iraq, located on the Tigris River in central Iraq.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Baghdad is the capital and largest city of Iraq, located on the Tigris River in central Iraq. Founded in 762 CE as the Abbasid capital, it became a major centre of learning and culture in the medieval Islamic world.

What it is

Baghdad is the capital and largest city of Iraq, situated on the Tigris River in the centre of the country. Founded in 762 CE by the Abbasid caliph Al-Mansur, it quickly became one of the most important cities in the Islamic world. Today, with an estimated population of about 8 million, it remains Iraq’s political and economic centre.

History

Baghdad was established in 762 CE as the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate and soon became a global hub for scholarship, literature, and trade. Its prominence declined sharply after the Mongol conquest in 1258, but the city later regained importance as the capital of modern Iraq. It continues to serve as the country’s main administrative and cultural centre.

Key details

The city lies in central Iraq along the Tigris River, placing it near historic trade routes and in the heart of ancient Mesopotamia. Baghdad functions as Iraq’s primary financial, commercial, and political hub. Its population of roughly 8 million makes it one of the largest urban areas in the Middle East, though figures vary by source.

In short

  • Capital and largest city of Iraq.
  • Founded in 762 CE as the Abbasid capital.
  • Estimated population of about 8 million.
  • Historic centre of learning and modern political hub.
Canadian angle

Baghdad is relevant to Canadian readers as the capital of Iraq and a major Middle Eastern city often covered in Canadian foreign policy, travel, history, and international news.

Quick questions

Where is Baghdad?
Baghdad is in central Iraq on the Tigris River and is the country’s capital and largest city.
What is Baghdad known for?
Baghdad is known for being the Abbasid capital, a historic centre of learning and culture, and today Iraq’s main political and commercial hub.
What is the history of Baghdad?
Baghdad was founded in 762 CE by Al-Mansur, became the Abbasid capital, rose as a major intellectual and cultural centre, declined after the Mongol conquest in 1258, and later became the capital of modern Iraq.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baghdad
    Supports: Capital, location on the Tigris, founding in 762 CE, Abbasid history, and population estimate.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Baghdad
    Supports: Baghdad as Iraq's capital, location in central Iraq on the Tigris, founding in 762, historical significance, and population estimates.
  3. Nations Online — https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/map/google_map_Baghdad.htm
    Supports: City founded in the 8th century and metropolitan population estimate.
  4. Archnet — https://www.archnet.org/authorities/3469
    Supports: Baghdad's role as Iraq's political, economic, and cultural capital and its location on the Tigris.
  5. Smarthistory — https://www.smarthistory.org/baghdad/
    Supports: Founding context, Abbasid capital, and early importance as a cultural and economic centre.