Central Marshes, Wetland ecosystem in southern Iraq
The Central Marshes are a large wetland in southern Iraq, made up of connected water bodies, reed beds, and freshwater lakes. They are part of the Tigris-Euphrates river system and hold both Ramsar and UNESCO World Heritage status.
These marshes have been continuously inhabited for thousands of years and are considered one of the oldest settled regions in the world. Deliberate drainage projects in the 1990s nearly destroyed them, and recovery began after 2003 when water was gradually returned.
The people who live here build their homes from reeds gathered directly from the water, using techniques passed down over thousands of years. Boats are the main way to get around, and daily life centers on fishing and tending the water channels.
A permit and a local guide are needed to visit safely, as finding your way through the water channels requires local knowledge. Boats are the only way to reach remote areas, so it is worth planning the trip in advance.
The marshes act as a natural water filter, removing pollutants from the rivers before the water continues downstream. This role is invisible to most visitors but makes the area a key part of how the wider region manages its water supply.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
