Baghdad is the capital of Iraq and one of the largest cities in the Arab world. Located along the Tigris River, Baghdad was founded in the 8th century and became the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate. Throughout its history, Baghdad has been a center of learning and culture, housing the famous House of Wisdom during the Islamic Golden Age. However, it has also witnessed many conflicts, most recently during the Iraq War. Modern Baghdad is a mix of historical and contemporary influences, with landmarks like the National Museum of Iraq, which holds precious artifacts from Mesopotamian civilization, and the iconic Baghdad Tower offering panoramic views of the city. The city's architecture reflects its storied past, ranging from ancient Islamic designs to modernist 20th-century buildings. Despite challenges, Baghdad continues to be a city of cultural significance and resilience, as it slowly rebuilds and regenerates after years of conflict. The population of Baghdad is diverse, representing various ethnicities including Arabs, Kurds, and Turkmen, with a dominant Muslim majority of both Sunni and Shia sects.