I've seen enough videos on Iraq to know that it looks like a great place. I wish the mainstream media would show these videos. How do you feel about people crossing the channel to get away from that place? Seems a little silly doesn't it, I am sure there are certain areas that are not great but would you risk your life and travel across Europe then get in a dingy risking your life? I wouldn't I would move to Baghdad if my area was dangerous.
this is super funny! The taxi driver asking "wen?" is asking in Arabic 'where do you want to go' not 'when do you want to go?'. This is a really interesting series, it is so cool seeing you try to navigate my homeland alone. Props friend 🤣
@@BackpackerBen what was your impression when you saw the London bus in the mall? Did you knew that ppl of Iraq has best memories about the red 2 floors busses back in the days ( sixties; seventies; eighties) but when gulf war happened it all were cancelled from the service!
Your videos have genuinely shocked me, I feel quite ashamed that I was so ignorant to the ways of those countries. Just shows you how persuasive the media actually is and fits things to their narrative.
hey ben, found u throught mr. bald. I really appreciate your content and u being brave enough to see the real world, not the media propaganda. Safe travels bro :)
Another great video, Ben. I believe that man you talked to as you entered the Shabandar Cafe, is its owner Mohammad al-Khashali. He managed to survive a car bomb blast that killed his four sons and a grandson in February 2010, exploding just outside the cafe. Thirty people in total were killed, including this man's sons and grandson, and over a hundred people were injured. The cafe has a long history of being a place of peace for writers and philosophers for decades.
the term " habibi' means love or my love but don't freak out when you see guys using it cuz it's a sociable way of appreciation between Iraqi ppl. If you want to present, or identify yourself it's easier to say " Ani Britani, which means i'm British., or " Ani min London, " i'm from London. Iraqi ppl are familiar with the none , London and Britania than England
Awesome video! The market dude at the beginning of the video was telling you that he has handcrafted items and the second dude was telling you it’s “Eid” .. a public holiday .. which is why the market was closed
My wife is from Iraq and I’ve always been apprehensive about going and so has she since she was only born there but you’re making me more comfortable about dipping my foot in the water and going someday in the future. Thanks for showing the real side of this country, which like all others, is just full of normal people trying to get on with their lives.
The statue of "The Good Man" is by Almutanabi a famous poet in Iraq, and that street is called Almutanabi street and is one of the world's oldest literature shops, you can find books in all kinds of languages
Sadly, this is how you play the algorithm to generate views and eventually earn money for more travel. I came skeptical, but all I see is genuinely nice people. This is the opinion of Iraq I'm leaving with.
I agree, those titles may help with clicks but hurt the tourism industry of iraq (it is the same for those social justice warriors who keep posting "USA bombed iraq into stone age" photos on social media, it actually hurt iraq)
The reason the man says America is bad, is because some people are still quite annoyed by the American occupation in 2003, most people would not actually hurt or kill Americans.
As an iraqi born in the states, this has been such an eye opening experience and you have made me less nervous about one day going back to visit. keep up the great content and I will definitely keep an eye out for your future videos.
@@BackpackerBen unfortunately no, i haven't been there and I've always been intimidated by the thought of going to visit because I just feel like I won't belong or they will think I'm "too american" but I have really been considering going there to visit after binge watching your videos. ty again for letting me view my homeland through your videos!
The video is very wonderful, especially when I went from the old city to the mall and drank the juice to tell the world that Baghdad has many ancient and modern places. In addition, I would like to salute you for walking in Baghdad at a very high degree. In the summer, Iraqis do not go out much because of the temperature, but at night it becomes A very beautiful place, all shops, restaurants, etc. are open, and you see a lot of people at night, unlike the day 👍
Him telling the shop owners "we don't like America " was very awkward.. especially because they didn't say that. That sounds like something a typical foreigner unfamiliar with Iraqi culture would say. Alot of Iraqi culture today/post war were built from western culture. Iraq today is not the same place it was in 1990s-2000s.
Yea well, They're not stupid. They know that our country went to war with them based on lies and fucked them up just as much as the americans did. I wouldn't be surprised at people ghosting u when u say hello to them in the street.
Hey mate, I'm an English origins man from the family of Chill, but was born, raised, educated and had my career all in Baghdad - Iraq. I live now in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada since 2016. I'm extremely happy that you're visiting Iraq, that amazing county, full of generousity and kindness. And I'm happy that you're transporting a good picture about it to the world. I wish I was still in Iraq to take in a great tour to all the places there and show you a close view of the legacy and real culture of it. Wish you all the best of luck💐
Quick note, ( babylone) is ( babil) in arabic no one knows it as babylone except for the people who speak English , So you should say ( babil hotel ) to the taxi driver 🙂
Honestly, Iraq isn't extremely dangerous, It's just hard to live in. I and my family migrated from Iraq to America about 7 years. We recently just came back and there are some kids bothering my sister mocking her for being "American" and haven't stopped bothering her ever since. Iraq is nice for a visit and see how it goes since it's a old country, But to live here is impossible. It's so hot out, and especially it's hard for a lot of arabs who also went to America and went back. If you ever tasted America's food and came back to Iraq it's not the same especially as children. And doctors here only get about 200 dollars a month, I don't know how to feel about that because I haven't worked yet. The only good thing about living here is the prices, very cheap. It's a poor country in general most rich places are in Kurdistan.
With all due respect, you can't say "It's super safe" when in 2021 669 civilians were killed in Iraq. Mexico might also be safe to visit but that doesn't mean It's "super safe" just because you didn't encounter any problems while you were there. Having said that, I subbed cause I like your content. Keep up the good work.
@@BackpackerBen @Backpacker Ben The statistic is from the civilian deaths in the Iraq war, so basically it means Iraq as a country. So far in 2022, 304 civilians were killed so It's far less than 2021. No doubt Iraq seems to be a beautiful country but I wouldn't say It's safe just yet. The people of Iraq has been through a lot since 2003. There is another TH-camr that also visited Iraq and mentioned some kids throwing stones at him for being a foreigner. The Iraq war was 1 ½ year ago so people there is still afraid and hostile because of the war. I'm glad your trip was ok and that you were able to share with us such great experience you had!
😂You got balls going there alone I gotta give ya that. My friends and I have been wanting to go so badly but not now not in a decade at least. We got to see plenty so THANK YOU🙏🏻
@@BackpackerBen Very encouraging😆 I certainly will! Just landed in Montenegro after a nice time in Albania although so disappointed didnt swing by Laid lol
@@johnwitte1676 Americans, Europeans and Israelis are not welcome. Leave Iraq alone. When Iraq was occupied, your country allied with forty countries to overthrow Iraq.
When you went for tea, I noticed that there was a 3 pin plug in the wall. You should be making more of a feature of countries that use 3 pin plugs for your British viewers.
The statue is for a poet named Al-Mutanabi The best time to visit Al-Mutanabbi Street is on Friday morning and also in the evening after sunset it will be very active
The atmosphere of those back alleyways are so creepy. I could easily think of a horror movie situation with how eerily quiet it is. I'd also feel a bit unsafe as well. You got balls of steel my man!
Enjoying the Baghdad videos, we only see what the media want us to see so it's great to see the real Baghdad. Are you concerned about doing or saying the wrong thing in such a strict country? I'd love to see it again in a few years time to see how much has progressed, the rebuild, the changes. Stay safe
Another brilliant video, mate. I love your point of view. And as another guy w a shite stomach- good lord, you’re a legend, man, for having the balls to travel like that!
When people mention Baghdad too me it takes me straight back to when I served there twice with the Queens Royal Hussars. driving a Challenger tank round the streets of Baghdad had its challenges that’s for sure. After my 2nd deployment I left the army. I couldn’t face doing another tour of Iraq, got sick of the place, even after the main troubles had settled.
@@BackpackerBen it does Ben. Baghdad wasn’t like that when we was there, especially the first tour we had some really hairy moments especially with the car suicide bombers, because the only way they could tank a Challenger tank or the American M1 Abrams tank was too drive up right next too our tank then blow themselves up and us with it if they were lucky. But our modern tanks especially our challengers had counter explosive armour that would explode itself and direct the blast away. When we seen a suspicious car coming towards us, we’d have to tell them too stop with all guns pointing at them, and if they never we would open fire. Luckily that never happened to our crew, but it did with others. Yes mate for a then young guy it was a experience put it that way. As I type this reply to you, I still have my medals opposite me on the fireplace, and our regiment photo. It wasn’t all bad, we had some laughs out there as well, especially on base when we got bored we’d make up stupid games too pass the time, like big kids😂
@@matty6848 you should've have went to colonize a country that you had no business to be in trying to protect the interest of the rich elites in America. I'm sure you would defend your homeland too if you had a foreign army trying to colonize your home.
@@hassanabbas-sy5cm I didn’t go too colonise anyone or any country I simply followed orders from my C.O. What goes on the politics and leadership side is nothing too do with a front line soldier. Plus the insurgents we were fighting many were not even Iraqis, they were Isis affiliated, from different Arab nations who also wanted too take over and colonise Iraq into a strict Islamic state, which most Iraqis didn’t want. The normal Iraqis who just wanted to live and do a days work were terrified of the insurgents who would happily kill and slaughter innocent Iraqi people for the slightest thing they seen as wrong. Don’t get the impression they were fighting for Iraq against a western power, because they weren’t. They were fighting so they could rule Iraq and colonise the place for themselves. Not too mention they would snatch Iraqi girls off the streets, rape and beat them and make them practically slaves for the insurgents. And if they didn’t do as they were told, they’d be shot in the head.
Maarouf Al-Rusafi says to you, but in fact 😂😂, the owner of the statue is the poet Abu Al-Tayyib Al-Mutanabbi, and he is the greatest of the books of Arabic poetry. He is also Iraqi. Greetings to you from Baghdad and wish you happy travel 😊
last time i was there in 2004, going for a mince around there would have been the last anyone saw of me until the beheading video came out. Its nice to see some normality has returned after so much turmoil and war
@@BackpackerBen Don't. The Taliban will treat you well because you're a privileged white male. The Taliban are keen on promoting positive propaganda about themselves for recognition. They'll sway you for good publicity while terrorizing the locals when you aren't there. You're not brave if you go there, just severely lacking in the ethics department. Imagine if a TH-camr toured Nazi Germany in the 1930s and didn't get to show all the bad sides. Do you think that's right?
The "real" side? What do you expect? Fairies, a unicorn and friendly Taliban? The Taliban are only friendly towards whities after the US signed the Doha Agreement (2020) with them. They're terrorizing their own people
In the beginning stages of the war, I was skeptical and had doubts about the outcome. Now, I’m kind of proud to have lived to see Iraq during peacetime and it is flourishing.
It was after a few years but it still had its dangerous areas. We had many a sniper round bounce off the armour of our Challenger tank whilst on patrol. However the second time I got deployed there it was thankfully a lot safer.
When Ben goes to Africa or South Asia on his next trip, he will be so tanned from his rest in Plymouth’s hot weather, that they would think he is a local 👨🏾💼
There are many places that sell alcohol in Iraq in Baghdad and Erbil, and since you are from Britain, I think that you like alcohol very much. I advise you to buy alcohol or beer and go to the river, Shalashel or a lake in Iraq and drink alcohol and enjoy
Iraqi here very in love with English culture i hope i visit it one day .. like the 16th century castles are my dreams and very fond of English literature 💕🌟
Don't blame most Americans for the actions of some of the more ignorant among us. They're the ones you hear about and see on the news. Most of us are relatively normal
This is literally my dream, minus the book reading 😂 because I’m sure someone will be chatting it up with me. But the tea in a cafe + smoke nargila = a yes 👍
Why don't they protect Palestine and our history instead of killing our own ranks... 🇮🇶🇮🇷🇸🇾🇱🇧🇵🇸 Free all oppressed inshallah Free Palestine From Terror And Apartheid..🇹🇳🇵🇸🇮🇷🇱🇧🇸🇾 🇮🇶🫶🏻🤲🏻🫶🏻🤲🏻
This is some incredible content, Arabic sounds cool and the people there seem nice, dying to know what that Iraqi tea tasted like I myself am a fan of the tea in Morocco
“America very Bad”? Your video title ought to go over very well for Americans and Iraqi relations and tourism. Actually, 5 of the worst atrocities were carried out by British Empire, big time especially in India!
@@BackpackerBen American here, I got it, and even if you weren't sarcastic I think the sentiment is still very understandable. Cheers for the great vid!
@@BackpackerBen another American Vlogger was in a market there a while back, with a Brit, and when found out Mac was American, the Iraqi got rude and nasty toward Mac. There’s a difference between sarcasm and stupidity!
@@BackpackerBen NO! You were blatantly against America in your Statements when there was no reason to be so, unless you hate the US! If I knew you were amongst a group who had hatred for the US, I would understand your statement, but these guys looked disappointed that you weren't American! We freed them from a tyrant you fool, most Iraqi's likely love the US! ✌
We welcome all people from any country When i first entered my school and said i was born in the uk Everyone was shocked and i became a bit popular since nobody else was born in the uk at that school Yes.. we do get a few sand storms but Iraq is a safe place ive never ever seen a crime scene there and You cant just buy a gun when your 18 like some other countries though our past wasnt that fun.. its all better now
Welcome to Iraq and a happy trip to you. I hope you will visit Iraq again so that you can join my home and welcome you. There are many Iraqis who do not know English, so they could not speak with you. Anyway, the important thing is that you enjoyed your trip 🇮🇶❤️
I'm actually very interested to know that how you came to the conclusion that Americans are not welcome in Iraq as the title of the suggested. I've seen the whole video I didn't find any clue. Please share your perception.
@@BackpackerBen But you should know the perception of the people of what they think about America because America invaded Iraq once. Talk to the people and find out. It will be very interesting to know of what they think.
😂and usa dropped bombs and killed kids lmfaoo americand did most of work they killed millions of iraqis LOOL usa is being known for being a war criminal country from an iraqi😂
The only thing i don't like in baghdad, The streets are too dirty and messy. I just hope they can clean everything up and im sure it will be a perfect city.
Remember the woman an “American solder step in her in the tank and kills her for no reason” and treate iraq people like they are not humans man thats why they treated u like this cuz they remember these ethings about u Americans
@@BackpackerBen it is lol , im off to thailand next , i do like watching your videos brother you do some good stuff hoping to stay traveling Asia for next 12 months if you ever go let me know could meet up if you fancy it
Being American, I am definitely not going to travel to Iraq. Iraq is most likely the oldest country in the world because , if you believe the Bible, the garden of Eden was in Iraq based on the rivers mentioned that ran through the garden of Eden. The Tigris and the Euphrates are still there but I don' think the Pishon and the Ghison are still rivers.
Are my videos changing your perspectives on Iraq? 🇮🇶 would you go? Let me know
Absolutely
I’d go but no idea the visa situation for me
Many tourists/backpackers there Ben?
I've seen enough videos on Iraq to know that it looks like a great place. I wish the mainstream media would show these videos. How do you feel about people crossing the channel to get away from that place? Seems a little silly doesn't it, I am sure there are certain areas that are not great but would you risk your life and travel across Europe then get in a dingy risking your life? I wouldn't I would move to Baghdad if my area was dangerous.
I would love to go, is it safe for a woman?
this is super funny! The taxi driver asking "wen?" is asking in Arabic 'where do you want to go' not 'when do you want to go?'. This is a really interesting series, it is so cool seeing you try to navigate my homeland alone. Props friend
🤣
I’m an idiot 😂 thanks bro more to come
@@BackpackerBen
😄😄😄 yes different meaning
@@BackpackerBen 😂yes when in Arabic means where! That was difficult to learn when i was in school🎉
@@BackpackerBen what was your impression when you saw the London bus in the mall? Did you knew that ppl of Iraq has best memories about the red 2 floors busses back in the days ( sixties; seventies; eighties) but when gulf war happened it all were cancelled from the service!
Had a good laugh about that too xD inevitable when one speaks just arabic and one just english
Your videos have genuinely shocked me, I feel quite ashamed that I was so ignorant to the ways of those countries. Just shows you how persuasive the media actually is and fits things to their narrative.
Wandering Emma here on uTube (white woman, unchaperoned) with the Talibs in AF is also mind-blowing. The inverse of MSM portrayals.
@@KnowledgeDriven thank you I’ll check her work out. Sounds very interesting.
hey ben, found u throught mr. bald. I really appreciate your content and u being brave enough to see the real world, not the media propaganda. Safe travels bro :)
Appreciate that mate😎 more to come
Another great video, Ben. I believe that man you talked to as you entered the Shabandar Cafe, is its owner Mohammad al-Khashali. He managed to survive a car bomb blast that killed his four sons and a grandson in February 2010, exploding just outside the cafe. Thirty people in total were killed, including this man's sons and grandson, and over a hundred people were injured. The cafe has a long history of being a place of peace for writers and philosophers for decades.
Ah man I know. I only knew recently. What a man ❤️
the term " habibi' means love or my love but don't freak out when you see guys using it cuz it's a sociable way of appreciation between Iraqi ppl. If you want to present, or identify yourself it's easier to say " Ani Britani, which means i'm British., or " Ani min London, " i'm from London. Iraqi ppl are familiar with the none , London and Britania than England
My bad 😆
@@BackpackerBen you're fine :)
Awesome video! The market dude at the beginning of the video was telling you that he has handcrafted items and the second dude was telling you it’s “Eid” .. a public holiday .. which is why the market was closed
Wish I spoke Arabic 😆
My wife is from Iraq and I’ve always been apprehensive about going and so has she since she was only born there but you’re making me more comfortable about dipping my foot in the water and going someday in the future. Thanks for showing the real side of this country, which like all others, is just full of normal people trying to get on with their lives.
You should go mate it’s eye opening and full of great people
Don't believe that
Nah bro don't go
You should go
😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣dont come to iraq american we iraqis dont need americans in our country
The statue of "The Good Man" is by Almutanabi a famous poet in Iraq, and that street is called Almutanabi street and is one of the world's oldest literature shops, you can find books in all kinds of languages
ارجوا ان تغير عنوان الفيديو لانه غير صحيح و لا يمثل رأي جميع العراقيين لقد جاء كثير من السائحين الامريكيين الى العراق و حظوا بأحترام و حفاوة كبيرة
Sadly, this is how you play the algorithm to generate views and eventually earn money for more travel. I came skeptical, but all I see is genuinely nice people. This is the opinion of Iraq I'm leaving with.
Yes agreed. Most of us in the west are aware that not all Iraqis hate Americans. That is just one man’s opinion.
I agree, those titles may help with clicks but hurt the tourism industry of iraq (it is the same for those social justice warriors who keep posting "USA bombed iraq into stone age" photos on social media, it actually hurt iraq)
@@sww3679 this is a fact,you bombed and destroyed Iraq because Usa is a terrorist imperialist country
That’s true. They don’t all dislike Americans. I’ve been there and everyone was nice!
An American youtuber, Doug Barnard spent a lot of time traveling throughout Iraq & told people he was American. He didn't have any problems
The reason the man says America is bad, is because some people are still quite annoyed by the American occupation in 2003, most people would not actually hurt or kill Americans.
With good reason too iraq lost millions of civilians in that occupation
Can’t blame them for not liking America. I probably would not like a country that invaded my country for no reason either.
As an iraqi born in the states, this has been such an eye opening experience and you have made me less nervous about one day going back to visit. keep up the great content and I will definitely keep an eye out for your future videos.
No problem brother. Have you not been at all?? Incredible place
@@BackpackerBen unfortunately no, i haven't been there and I've always been intimidated by the thought of going to visit because I just feel like I won't belong or they will think I'm "too american" but I have really been considering going there to visit after binge watching your videos. ty again for letting me view my homeland through your videos!
I’m from England and would still feel comfortable in Baghdad, you should really go and see how nice your people are
The video is very wonderful, especially when I went from the old city to the mall and drank the juice to tell the world that Baghdad has many ancient and modern places. In addition, I would like to salute you for walking in Baghdad at a very high degree. In the summer, Iraqis do not go out much because of the temperature, but at night it becomes A very beautiful place, all shops, restaurants, etc. are open, and you see a lot of people at night, unlike the day 👍
Appreciate your comment bro 😎 thanks
Him telling the shop owners "we don't like America " was very awkward.. especially because they didn't say that. That sounds like something a typical foreigner unfamiliar with Iraqi culture would say. Alot of Iraqi culture today/post war were built from western culture. Iraq today is not the same place it was in 1990s-2000s.
Yea well, They're not stupid. They know that our country went to war with them based on lies and fucked them up just as much as the americans did. I wouldn't be surprised at people ghosting u when u say hello to them in the street.
Not true
Welcome to my country iraq is really peaceful here 🙏🇮🇶
huge thanks :)
I’m an American soldier who served in Iraq and I love the country and the people.
88 I was in Baghdad. Was very nice and friendly.
Agreed 🤝
Hey mate, I'm an English origins man from the family of Chill, but was born, raised, educated and had my career all in Baghdad - Iraq.
I live now in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada since 2016.
I'm extremely happy that you're visiting Iraq, that amazing county, full of generousity and kindness.
And I'm happy that you're transporting a good picture about it to the world.
I wish I was still in Iraq to take in a great tour to all the places there and show you a close view of the legacy and real culture of it.
Wish you all the best of luck💐
Thank you so much bro 😎 was amazing in Iraq honestly
Wow when did your family come to Iraqi?
Quick note, ( babylone) is ( babil) in arabic no one knows it as babylone except for the people who speak English ,
So you should say ( babil hotel ) to the taxi driver 🙂
Something really heart warming seeing the people enjoying the shopping mall in contrast to what the media would have you believe about Iraq ❤️
Agreed 🤝
Yeah people are people. Mostly anyways.
Incredible people and country thank you for showing the positives unlike the media
My pleasure bro
Honestly, Iraq isn't extremely dangerous, It's just hard to live in. I and my family migrated from Iraq to America about 7 years. We recently just came back and there are some kids bothering my sister mocking her for being "American" and haven't stopped bothering her ever since. Iraq is nice for a visit and see how it goes since it's a old country, But to live here is impossible. It's so hot out, and especially it's hard for a lot of arabs who also went to America and went back. If you ever tasted America's food and came back to Iraq it's not the same especially as children. And doctors here only get about 200 dollars a month, I don't know how to feel about that because I haven't worked yet. The only good thing about living here is the prices, very cheap. It's a poor country in general most rich places are in Kurdistan.
ابقى مع امريكا لا نتشرف بكم ولستم عراقيين
With all due respect, you can't say "It's super safe" when in 2021 669 civilians were killed in Iraq. Mexico might also be safe to visit but that doesn't mean It's "super safe" just because you didn't encounter any problems while you were there.
Having said that, I subbed cause I like your content. Keep up the good work.
cheers mate, I honestly had no idea that happened. What city was it?
@@BackpackerBen @Backpacker Ben The statistic is from the civilian deaths in the Iraq war, so basically it means Iraq as a country. So far in 2022, 304 civilians were killed so It's far less than 2021. No doubt Iraq seems to be a beautiful country but I wouldn't say It's safe just yet.
The people of Iraq has been through a lot since 2003. There is another TH-camr that also visited Iraq and mentioned some kids throwing stones at him for being a foreigner. The Iraq war was 1 ½ year ago so people there is still afraid and hostile because of the war.
I'm glad your trip was ok and that you were able to share with us such great experience you had!
@@george_jordan thank you for watching mate, where you from anyway?
@@BackpackerBen Sweden. Will def watch more of your content xD
@@george_jordan legend thanks mate
Great content Ben really enjoying this trip..love from a sweltering London 🔥
Just got back in Plymouth it’s crazy 🥵 worse than Iraq 😆 heard London is like an oven
@@BackpackerBen Tomorrow it’s going to get worse in London 🥵
😂You got balls going there alone I gotta give ya that. My friends and I have been wanting to go so badly but not now not in a decade at least. We got to see plenty so THANK YOU🙏🏻
Do it mate it’s literally safer than London
@@BackpackerBen Very encouraging😆
I certainly will! Just landed in Montenegro after a nice time in Albania although so disappointed didnt swing by Laid lol
Don’t worry bro Iraq is safer than ever right now , You’re most welcome to the cradle of civilization 🇮🇶
Thank you for appreciating our culture you’re an awesome person keep going man!❤️
thanks :)
Hey. My Dad fought in Iraq and I would love to go visit the places he been. Is it safe for an american? Does that sound like a dangerous idea?
@@johnwitte1676 Americans, Europeans and Israelis are not welcome. Leave Iraq alone. When Iraq was occupied, your country allied with forty countries to overthrow Iraq.
@@واجعلنيمباركاًاينماكنت-ه9ع we did help you defeat ISIS.
@@johnwitte1676 What were you doing in Iraq and Afghanistan?
When you went for tea, I noticed that there was a 3 pin plug in the wall. You should be making more of a feature of countries that use 3 pin plugs for your British viewers.
yep british plugs in iraq
We use in Iraq 3 pins for a while, 40 years ago all ours sockets writing made in England .
@@omarmrd Thank you. That is very interesting to know.
@@StevenLaneyGuitar that’s fine, thank you too .
The statue is for a poet named Al-Mutanabi
The best time to visit Al-Mutanabbi Street is on Friday morning and also in the evening after sunset it will be very active
Thanks for the comment
16:10 that's actually al mutanabi which was one of the greatest Arab poets , marof al rasafi was the statue that you saw earlier 10:15
Thanks for telling bro 😎
The atmosphere of those back alleyways are so creepy. I could easily think of a horror movie situation with how eerily quiet it is. I'd also feel a bit unsafe as well. You got balls of steel my man!
Enjoying the Baghdad videos, we only see what the media want us to see so it's great to see the real Baghdad. Are you concerned about doing or saying the wrong thing in such a strict country? I'd love to see it again in a few years time to see how much has progressed, the rebuild, the changes. Stay safe
No mate I’d be honest in any video and in Baghdad I had a great time I hope in a few years it’s in a far better situation
Nothing like I expected. Just goes to show the press always have a negative criteria. Your confidence however is remarkable.
Thank you,
Simon
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 this is the real Iraq. Great people just living a normal life
Another brilliant video, mate. I love your point of view. And as another guy w a shite stomach- good lord, you’re a legend, man, for having the balls to travel like that!
Much appreciated Lewis. Putting my stomach through hell so others don’t have to
I have a sh** stomach too
Looks great, make me want to go! 🙌🏼
Do it ✅✅
When people mention Baghdad too me it takes me straight back to when I served there twice with the Queens Royal Hussars. driving a Challenger tank round the streets of Baghdad had its challenges that’s for sure. After my 2nd deployment I left the army. I couldn’t face doing another tour of Iraq, got sick of the place, even after the main troubles had settled.
Interesting mate. Must be feel strange seeing it peaceful now?
@@BackpackerBen it does Ben. Baghdad wasn’t like that when we was there, especially the first tour we had some really hairy moments especially with the car suicide bombers, because the only way they could tank a Challenger tank or the American M1 Abrams tank was too drive up right next too our tank then blow themselves up and us with it if they were lucky. But our modern tanks especially our challengers had counter explosive armour that would explode itself and direct the blast away. When we seen a suspicious car coming towards us, we’d have to tell them too stop with all guns pointing at them, and if they never we would open fire. Luckily that never happened to our crew, but it did with others. Yes mate for a then young guy it was a experience put it that way. As I type this reply to you, I still have my medals opposite me on the fireplace, and our regiment photo. It wasn’t all bad, we had some laughs out there as well, especially on base when we got bored we’d make up stupid games too pass the time, like big kids😂
mental mate!! thanks for sharing
@@matty6848 you should've have went to colonize a country that you had no business to be in trying to protect the interest of the rich elites in America. I'm sure you would defend your homeland too if you had a foreign army trying to colonize your home.
@@hassanabbas-sy5cm I didn’t go too colonise anyone or any country I simply followed orders from my C.O. What goes on the politics and leadership side is nothing too do with a front line soldier. Plus the insurgents we were fighting many were not even Iraqis, they were Isis affiliated, from different Arab nations who also wanted too take over and colonise Iraq into a strict Islamic state, which most Iraqis didn’t want. The normal Iraqis who just wanted to live and do a days work were terrified of the insurgents who would happily kill and slaughter innocent Iraqi people for the slightest thing they seen as wrong. Don’t get the impression they were fighting for Iraq against a western power, because they weren’t. They were fighting so they could rule Iraq and colonise the place for themselves. Not too mention they would snatch Iraqi girls off the streets, rape and beat them and make them practically slaves for the insurgents. And if they didn’t do as they were told, they’d be shot in the head.
20:27 London Double Decker Bus in Baghdad ❤🎉
Maarouf Al-Rusafi says to you, but in fact 😂😂, the owner of the statue is the poet Abu Al-Tayyib Al-Mutanabbi, and he is the greatest of the books of Arabic poetry. He is also Iraqi.
Greetings to you from Baghdad and wish you happy travel 😊
thank you for watching bro :)
last time i was there in 2004, going for a mince around there would have been the last anyone saw of me until the beheading video came out. Its nice to see some normality has returned after so much turmoil and war
Hey Ben, can you show us the real side of Afghanistan some day? I really love your Iraq series so far. Thank you.
I plan to mate 😎🤝
@@BackpackerBen Don't. The Taliban will treat you well because you're a privileged white male. The Taliban are keen on promoting positive propaganda about themselves for recognition. They'll sway you for good publicity while terrorizing the locals when you aren't there. You're not brave if you go there, just severely lacking in the ethics department.
Imagine if a TH-camr toured Nazi Germany in the 1930s and didn't get to show all the bad sides. Do you think that's right?
The "real" side? What do you expect? Fairies, a unicorn and friendly Taliban? The Taliban are only friendly towards whities after the US signed the Doha Agreement (2020) with them. They're terrorizing their own people
afghanistan is fucked
I don't think we want Ben going
To Afghanistan. Not with the
Crazy Taliban running around.
In the beginning stages of the war, I was skeptical and had doubts about the outcome. Now, I’m kind of proud to have lived to see Iraq during peacetime and it is flourishing.
me too bro
انظر ماذا يتكلم هذا الاحمق
Baghdad was relatively safe DURING the war.
So I heard
It was after a few years but it still had its dangerous areas. We had many a sniper round bounce off the armour of our Challenger tank whilst on patrol. However the second time I got deployed there it was thankfully a lot safer.
Hi I'm Iraqi man 🤍 thank you for video i love it 🇮🇶🤍🇬🇧
Welcome to my country mate.😀
Thank you bro! Absolutely loved it. Drop me a Instagram if you wanna collab next time I’m there
you need tourist in your country it helps the economy!!!
and image
It's quite surprising to see Baghdad and the way it is to day and the contrast between new and old cities good vid.
Its amazing how much you can understand someone when neither of you speak the lingo
Haha I know 😆
🌴🌴🌴 Thank you Ben for showing the best of these places. Blessings,Carlos ✝️🙏❤️😊🇺🇸
When Ben goes to Africa or South Asia on his next trip, he will be so tanned from his rest in Plymouth’s hot weather, that they would think he is a local 👨🏾💼
🥵boiling here
This statue belongs to Al-Mutanabbi, who named the street after him, and he is a well-known poet
OHHHHHH thanks :)
Nice video I love it ❤️❤️
I cant wait to go back to Baghdad after summer 🙏
Definitely wait for summer to end 😆 was so damn hot! Enjoy mate
Im Iraqi British guy live in London on summer and Bahhdad on winter
Well done Ben good job 👍👍👍
Thanks mate 🇮🇶👏🏼
With some restoration, that 100-year-old porticoed street could be a real attraction for the city.
There are many places that sell alcohol in Iraq in Baghdad and Erbil, and since you are from Britain, I think that you like alcohol very much. I advise you to buy alcohol or beer and go to the river, Shalashel or a lake in Iraq and drink alcohol and enjoy
I found alcohol no problem ;) thanks mate
نحن مسلمون كفاكم سخافه وتقليد للغرب
Glad to hear it's safer now, rlly hope I can explore it one day
Do it mate 🤝
@@BackpackerBen probably will after Greece in a few weeks!! I heard it has the best weather
17:22 when in iraqi is meaning "where" you killed me when you said now 🤣🤣🤣
🤣🤣🤣🤣 damn it!!
Next time if you arrive to Baghdad please contact me to show you all details of Baghdad.
Welcome in iraq any time mate.
15.38 had my dying “well that was awkward” 😂😂
🤪🤪
Iraqi here very in love with English culture i hope i visit it one day .. like the 16th century castles are my dreams and very fond of English literature 💕🌟
تكلم عن نفسك
@@زهره-ش5و that's exactly what I'm doing 🙂
Wow a mall with people in it! Looks like suburban America in the 80s.
😦😦
Yes ironically our Malls are empty and shutting down. Bit like the west as whole really, everything is closing down and going too s#*t.
@@matty6848 Online shopping is mostly Amazon monopoly too. Downside of capitalism.
How was your experience with the airport? I heard a lot of bad things about it, things not marked, hard to get through, etc
Easy for me!
@@BackpackerBen I’m going to Baghdad by myself for 3 days the 7th. Anything in particular that I should know? Tips?
Americans NOT Welcome in IRAQ... But Sadam is a good person?
The when = where dilemma was hilarious reminded me of that scene in Jackie chan movie
What do you think after bombing iraq Americans are welcomed but if they are respectful to the country
Hey Ben - How much Iraqi Dinar would you recommend taking for a week in Baghdad?
Don't blame most Americans for the actions of some of the more ignorant among us. They're the ones you hear about and see on the news. Most of us are relatively normal
نحن نرحب بكل الجنسيات من كل العالم العراق ليس بلدا عنصري او مغلق العراق مفتوح للجميع اهلا بكم
لا غير مرحب بالامريكان والاوروبيين والاسرائيليين بالعراق نسيت ماذا فعل لبلادك؟
@@واجعلنيمباركاًاينماكنت-ه9ع انجب...نظل نبجي للابد يعني
@@menaak2736اي نضل وامثالكم ما يمثلونا يا لوكية يا شروكيه معدان
What about for brown and black people? Please clarify.
What a dream, to go to Baghdad, drink tea in a cafe and read and smoke nargila❤ Can’t wait to go someday soon. 🙏
This is literally my dream, minus the book reading 😂 because I’m sure someone will be chatting it up with me. But the tea in a cafe + smoke nargila = a yes 👍
Welcome to the time of Iraq, your second country.
Why don't they protect Palestine and our history instead of killing our own ranks... 🇮🇶🇮🇷🇸🇾🇱🇧🇵🇸 Free all oppressed inshallah Free Palestine From Terror And Apartheid..🇹🇳🇵🇸🇮🇷🇱🇧🇸🇾 🇮🇶🫶🏻🤲🏻🫶🏻🤲🏻
Free palestine?? You spelled “rebuild” wrong 😂😂😂
This is some incredible content, Arabic sounds cool and the people there seem nice, dying to know what that Iraqi tea tasted like I myself am a fan of the tea in Morocco
Thank you Ben I love your channel, your content, this time Iraq and your humanity
Appreciate that mate! Many thanks
Did you need to go halfway around the world to visit a shopping mall?
Yes
Imagine being a travel vlogger and saying out loud "Some of the streets in Baghdad are centuries old" wow. Try 1260+ years.
Bruh
another great video! really enjoyed it, cheers mate
Thanks for watching mate
“America very Bad”? Your video title ought to go over very well for Americans and Iraqi relations and tourism. Actually, 5 of the worst atrocities were carried out by British Empire, big time especially in India!
Can any American here get sarcasm?????????
@@BackpackerBen No. We're too busy getting fat, shooting things and suing each other.
@@BackpackerBen American here, I got it, and even if you weren't sarcastic I think the sentiment is still very understandable. Cheers for the great vid!
@@BackpackerBen another American Vlogger was in a market there a while back, with a Brit, and when found out Mac was American, the Iraqi got rude and nasty toward Mac. There’s a difference between sarcasm and stupidity!
@@BackpackerBen NO! You were blatantly against America in your Statements when there was no reason to be so, unless you hate the US! If I knew you were amongst a group who had hatred for the US, I would understand your statement, but these guys looked disappointed that you weren't American! We freed them from a tyrant you fool, most Iraqi's likely love the US! ✌
We welcome all people from any country
When i first entered my school and said i was born in the uk
Everyone was shocked and i became a bit popular since nobody else was born in the uk at that school
Yes.. we do get a few sand storms but
Iraq is a safe place ive never ever seen a crime scene there and
You cant just buy a gun when your 18 like some other countries
though our past wasnt that fun.. its all better now
لا ما نرحب وانت لست عراقي
America very bad you say? I unsubscribe
Bye 👋 clearly don’t understand sarcasm
I think the statue is actually of Al Mutanabi the famous poet, the book street is named after him.
thanks for sharing :)
هلا بك في بلدي ❤️
Welcome to Iraq and a happy trip to you. I hope you will visit Iraq again so that you can join my home and welcome you. There are many Iraqis who do not know English, so they could not speak with you. Anyway, the important thing is that you enjoyed your trip 🇮🇶❤️
3:26 hey thats meee
im the english kid btw
Haha legend! Nice meeting you bro thanks for the chat
you should have a translater with you. I bet people would love to chat with you seem very friendly
Best people
no man , you are welcome in our land , 💙💙
Thank you
I'm actually very interested to know that how you came to the conclusion that Americans are not welcome in Iraq as the title of the suggested. I've seen the whole video I didn't find any clue. Please share your perception.
Literally the opening scene. It’s sarcasm anyway so don’t worry
@@BackpackerBen But you should know the perception of the people of what they think about America because America invaded Iraq once. Talk to the people and find out. It will be very interesting to know of what they think.
@@shadabtahir6700 it's sarcasm calm down
@@shadabtahir6700 chill out buddy it was a joke.
You do know that the UK sent 50,000 troops to the Iraq War right? Get off your high horse.
😂and usa dropped bombs and killed kids lmfaoo americand did most of work they killed millions of iraqis LOOL usa is being known for being a war criminal country from an iraqi😂
love your vidieos Ben found you through bald hello from ireland mate 🤟🇮🇪✈️🌏
Appreciate it Thomas mate 🤝
do the iraq's like blair?
18/07/2022
Definitely not
@@johnafrica7979 Blair is a war criminal
Do British like Blair?
@@BackpackerBen no im from uk , and that fool should be in court for the deaths he caused based on lies
@@BackpackerBen they hate him with a passion/he lied to the people/no weapons of mass destruction ever found in iraq
lest we forget.......never
The progression and versatility of the middle East is remarkable ✊✨✨✨
love it
Americans not welcomed? Ok unsubbed, just kidding....or am i?
😂😂😂
I’m not kidding! $Hitpants has Poor taste in titles!
I might be, where's that apology Ben? You flubbed on this one, own it!
Bye bye ❄️
❄️
How safe is it there? What made you go there?
The only thing i don't like in baghdad, The streets are too dirty and messy. I just hope they can clean everything up and im sure it will be a perfect city.
@@mysteriousjz lmao I'm already in baghdad
They do need a clean up I agree
Remember the woman an “American solder step in her in the tank and kills her for no reason” and treate iraq people like they are not humans man thats why they treated u like this cuz they remember these ethings about u Americans
Brilliant video ben I’m eager to explore Iraq! See the real side nobody has shown
Definitely do it mate
The guy saying at 17:25
saying win trouh ?
meaning " where you wanna go?"
Ben: Assuming that Win is when is just funny and confusing
It's okay Ben, you don't have to like me, I like you though 🇺🇸 😁
Hahahha I like them…sometimes ;)
@@BackpackerBen After watching a few of your videos as an American i decided I don't like you either unsubcribed.
@@kylejones8219 that’s because your a plonker
@@breakingthesafe5659 Is that the best you got lol 😆
@@kylejones8219 and we Yanks wonder why our cousin Brits say we’ve got no sense of humor over here 😆
Have you toured iran? Old Persia?
yalla habibi means >> Come on, baby. be carfull who you say that to m8 or you be getting hotdog lol
😆😆😆😆 they all they say mate so I think it’s fine
@@BackpackerBen it is lol , im off to thailand next , i do like watching your videos brother you do some good stuff hoping to stay traveling Asia for next 12 months if you ever go let me know could meet up if you fancy it
I’m gonna be focusing on africa mate but have a sick time in Asia it’s the best place on earth
Habibi means “my love”. It’s a common term of endearment used between good friends. No one would think you’re saying it in a weird way.
When he said,, Look at all the options'', in the mall. That was brilliant:)
🤝😎
I heard there's a fabulous gay scene over there how much are the drinks in the gay bars?
Ask you dad
@@breakingthesafe5659 I can't he's too busy bumming your dad
I don’t recall any gay bars during my time in Iraq no
Ben just knows the bars! Reading through the comments, he mentioned he’s an alcoholic! Read through.
Being American, I am definitely not going to travel to Iraq. Iraq is most likely the oldest country in the world because , if you believe the Bible, the garden of Eden was in Iraq based on the rivers mentioned that ran through the garden of Eden. The Tigris and the Euphrates are still there but I don' think the Pishon and the Ghison are still rivers.
"Alot of people here are called Mohammed" was a really stupid thing to say 😂
I know 😆😆😆😆
@India Tube, just like the title of this video, stupid!
Hi ben, I’m just want to say those guys were mistaken the statue was for Al-Mutanabbi was a famous Abbasid-era Arab poet .