Al-Qadisiya is a land of extraordinary historical significance, brimming with shrines and holy sites that have been revered by the Shiites for centuries. It is home to the world’s oldest civilizations, whose remnants can be found scattered across the region. Among these, the ruins of the ancient city of Nefer, also known as “Nippur,” on the outskirts of Afak city, and the ziggurat of the Sumerian god Enlil, stand out as remarkable testaments to the region’s rich cultural heritage. The city of Nefer was an important spiritual center for the Sumerians during the third millennium BC, while the ziggurat served as a place of worship for the Sumerian god Enlil.
Another notable historical site is the city of Uruk, also known as Warka, which played a pivotal role in the development of the Sumerian civilization during the fourth millennium BC. It was one of the most important cities of its time, and it is believed to have been the birthplace of the legendary king Gilgamesh, whose epic poem is considered one of the world’s oldest surviving works of literature.
Through extensive archaeological excavations, experts have uncovered the prominence of this civilization and the ancient inhabitants of the land. After the Islamic conquest, this area became an important site, thanks to its strategic location adjacent to the desert, which is considered part of the land of Dhi Qar. It witnessed various intellectual and political movements, and the Hashemite City, the first capital of the Banu Abbas, was established on its borders, before subsequently moving to Baghdad. The governorate thus stands as a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage, steeped in history and tradition.