review
Taylor Parr - US
I would like to highlight the great experience I had traveling around Iraq with Mortda Haider.
I wanted to go see Iraq for my 19th country visited for many reasons, including visiting the Ancient Cities of Babylon and Uruk, visiting the holy Shia cities of Al Najaf and Karbala, and also experiencing Baghdad. From the first time I first reached out to Mortda to inquire about guiding services, Mortda was extremely kind, knowledgable, and prompt with his responses. Planning this trip with Mortda's help was an effortless experience and I immediately felt comfortable moving forward with the trip thanks to his help. Prior to the trip, Mortda worked with me to understand the entry requirements into Iraq, how I was going to meet up with him once I arrived, and all logistical aspects of the trip. He communicated with me often before the trip and when I was on my way to Iraq by plane.
When I arrived at Baghdad International Airport, Mortda had coordinated a car ride for me from the airport to my hotel where I would meet up with him to start the tour. No matter the time of day or night when you arrive, he will be waiting for you at the meet up spot and will communicate with you to ensure you safely arrive at the meeting location. I started the tour in Baghdad with Mortda and our first day was amazing. he took me to many amazing sites in Baghdad like the Save Iraqi Culture Monument, the Martyr Monument, Tahrir Square, the Iraqi Museum, Al-Kadhimiya Mosque, and Al Mutanabi Street. Mortda's positive energy made me so excited to visit these places and he was very knowledgable regarding Baghdad. Baghdad felt very safe and I especially felt safe when he taking good care of me.
The second day, He took me to arguably the most important place of my visit: The Ancient City of Babylon. Babylon was the first major empire in human civilization and was a dream come true to visit. We visited the ancient ruins, the modern babylon built by Saddam Hussein, and the old palace of Saddam Hussein on the hill overlooking Bablyon. Mortda even arranged for us to have lunch in Saddam's palace on his throne, which was one of the most unique experiences I have ever had. In the evening, we drove to the holy city of Karbala and toured both of the shrines in this city. He arranged a hotel for me to stay in that had an amazing view overlooking the shrines of Karbala. After visiting the shrines, he bought us some sweets famous in Karbala and some juice and arranged for us to have a snack at sunset overlooking the shrines on the roof of my hotel. This was truly a special experience.
On the final day of the tour, Mortda took me to the first modern city in human civilization, Uruq. Uruq is famous as the city of Gilgamesh, where the first written words were created and many inventions were made, including stone architecture and the ziggurat. I was not aware of this city before coming to Iraq, which is a testament to how knowledgable he is regarding the importance and historical significance of Iraq. His knowledge and explanations allowed me to learn so much about human civilization and islamic religion specific to Iraq. My final evening, Mortda and I returned to Baghdad, where we met up with a friend on Al-Mutannabi street once again to eat overlooking the famous street.
On the way back to Baghdad, Mortda made sure we drove by Victory Arch, a famous monument that was close to the initial escalation of violence when the U.S. invaded Iraq. It was very interesting to see a place to significant to U.S. history. After we ate dinner on Al-Mutannabi street, He drove me to the airport and explained to me how the process works to get me safely to the gate for my departure home. His dedication and knowledge regarding safety and logistics in Iraq was incredible and I encourage anyone looking to go to Iraq with a guide to choose Mortda as their guide. You will feel well taken care of, learn many things, and develop a friendship bond that will never end.
I consider Mortda a friend for life and will always be thankful for the time I spent with him in Iraq. I definitely plan on returning to Iraq to have another guided tour with him. I am happy to discuss my time with Mortda further with anyone who has questions about my experiences. He is an incredible guide and I will always cherish the bond we have built.
