Basra iraq base

It is the capital of the eponymous Basra Governorate , as well as the third largest city in Iraq overall, behind only Baghdad and Mosul. Located near the Iran—Iraq border at the north-easternmost extent of the Arabian Peninsula , the city is situated along the banks of the Shatt al-Arab that empties into the Persian Gulf. The hottest recorded temperature in Basra is A major industrial center of Iraq, the majority of the city's population are Shi'ite Muslim Arabs.

The city was built in It played an important role as a regional hub of trade and commerce in the Islamic Golden Age. Historically, Basra is one of the ports, from which the fictional Sinbad the Sailor journeyed. During the Islamic era, the city expanded rapidly. It was occupied by the Safavid , from to Basra came under Portuguese control , from to The city remained under the administration of the Ottoman Empire, as part of Basra vilayet , which was populated mainly by Shi'ite Muslims and flourished as a commercial and trade center.

Iraq bases map

It became an important industrial center in the Persian Gulf. The city suffered heavy damage during the Gulf War. It was a major center for the and uprisings in Iraq. Basra was the first city to be occupied by the coalition forces, during the invasion of Iraq. Since the end of the war, Basra's prosperity has gathered numerous population.