Historical Iraqi port to become touristic landmark

Built after the British occupied Basra during the First World War, al-Maqal port started operating in 1919, first used for military purposes until it was handed over to Iraqi authorities in 1937.

During the Iran-Iraq war and the Gulf war that shook Iraq's south, the port stopped its activities. Other ports further down south, Umm Qasr and Khor al-Zubair, replaced the historic port located on the Shatt al-Arab river, formed by the confluence of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers.

Iraqi ports authorities envision a touristic harbour that respects the port's historic features, with a seaside corniche a mall and parks that would attract not only Basra residents but also local and international tourists.

An Italian company provided an initial design for the new port, and Iraq's General Company for Ports is now accepting offers from private companies to invest in the project and execute the development of the ports' different attractions.