Baghdad Designated Capital of Islamic Culture 2026: Historic Preparations Underway
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Khalid Al Mansoor
- . February 15, 2026
- . Update: February 15, 2026 8:49 pm
In 2026, Baghdad was declared the Capital of Islamic World Culture by ICESCO, the 13 th Conference of Ministers of Culture in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Feb 12-13, 2025). The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities of Iraq celebrated the honor as an acknowledgement of the millennium-old history of the city as a center of science, poetry, and learning during the Abbasid Caliphate. Planning is being done to rejuvenate old areas such as Al-Rasafa and Adhamiya, and there are even manuscript exhibitions, literary festivals, and restorations of historic buildings and places. This is after Baghdad got the title of Arab Capital of Tourism in 2025, which increased cultural tourism due to an increase in the number of visitors visiting places such as Babylon and Ur.
Cultural Capital Designation
The ICESCO program, launched in 2005, spotlights Islamic cities yearly to promote heritage and dialogue. Baghdad’s selection celebrates its House of Wisdom era and modern preservation efforts against conflict damage.
Preparations in Historic Districts
Restoration targets Tigris riverside areas with mosques, libraries, and souks; plans include 100+ events like poetry nights and artifact displays. Coordination spans ministries for infrastructure upgrades.
Official Social Update
FAQs
What is the Capital of Islamic Culture program?
An ICESCO initiative since 2005 selecting cities for year-long cultural promotion through events preserving Islamic heritage and fostering global ties. Baghdad joins past honorees like Doha.
Why was Baghdad chosen for 2026?
For its Abbasid-era contributions to knowledge and ongoing revival efforts post-conflict, as endorsed by culture ministers from 57 Islamic nations in Jeddah 2025.
What preparations are underway?
Reviving Al-Mutanabbi Street, manuscript houses, and ancient sites; multi-ministry events calendar targets 1M visitors with festivals and exhibitions.
Does it link to other Baghdad titles?
Yes, builds on 2025 Arab Capital of Tourism, enhancing infrastructure for UNESCO Creative City status in literature.
How to get involved or visit?
Follow Ministry events via official channels; tourism rises to historic sites—check visa updates for cultural year access.
