Iraq: Baghdad – Rusafa District
Rusafa District is one of the oldest areas in Baghdad, dating back to the Abbasid Caliph Abu Jafar al-Mansur and 136-158 AD. Located on the left bank of Tirgris the district is perhaps the most interesting part of the city to explore in foot with so many architectural and cultural attractions here – the famous Mustansiriyah University, Abbasid Palace, many blue-domes mosques like Imam Ahmad Bin Hanbal mosque or Alasifyah mosque, and just roaming the streets with crumbling old buildings and unique wooden overhanging balconies and ornate doors. Also here is the oldest cafe in Baghdad serving coffee and tea in smoked-filled humid dark hall just a block off the Tigris River.
