August 23, 2010
Blog ArchivesTourism in Iraq: Lost Cradle of Civilization
Despite optimistic attempts to revive Iraq’s tourist fortunes over the last year amid ongoing violence, the country remains off-limits to casual visitors. But if that ever changes, here are some ancient sites to explore from the Cradle of Civilization.
The Mig-23 Graveyard, Balad
Iraq’s military bases are littered with plane and tank carcasses destroyed when Saddam’s regime came crashing down. But the evidence is hidden away from the public gaze, depriving even the most resourceful explorer the opportunity to inspect them. But now you don’t have to, as this unique series of photos quite literally puts you in the picture.
Abandoned MiGs & Other Aircraft: Former Soviet Hardware From Iraq to Russia
“The Mig” and all the aircraft variants that name covers, has become a veritable icon of the Cold War. The vast number built by Russia over the last half century and heavily exported means that, while some remain airborne, others lie derelict or destroyed from Siberia to Iraq and beyond. Here are just a few that continue to languish on in various states of disrepair.