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🌾 The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities

Parks, Squares, Hills, & Mountains Iraq Asia

🌾 The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities
UNESCO World Heritage wetlands and ancient Mesopotamian heartland


🕐 3 min read · Updated 2 Apr 2026 at 18:30

UNESCOUNESCO World Heritage Site

📋 Fast Facts
  • Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016 under natural and cultural criteria
  • Comprises four major marshland areas: Hawizeh, Central, East Hammar, and West Hammar Marshes
  • Home to over 200 bird species and the endangered Basra reed warbler
  • Contains three ancient Sumerian cities: Uruk, Ur, and Tell Eridu

The Ahwar of Southern Iraq is a rare mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for both natural and ...

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