Railway transportation and its impact on the development of religious tourism in the city of Baghdad

Abstract

Tourism development has emerged as a significant subject in recent times, with the goal of enriching the city's cultural and economic status through the exhibition of its cultural and religious landmarks. Baghdad, distinguished by its religious importance, particularly shines due to its religious legacy, attracting Muslims and individuals from around the globe. The city is famed for its religious shrines, tombs, mosques, and churches, which serve as key attractions frequented by Muslims and others for religious events and otherwise. The exploration of the role of railway systems in the advancement of religious tourism in Baghdad and its progression seeks to illustrate the influence of transportation through this mode in rejuvenating religious tourism. Urban centers like Baghdad often encounter diverse transportation-related challenges due to factors like population expansion and the inadequacy of transportation infrastructure to cope with this growth. There has been a noticeable surge in the number of vehicles, notably post-2003, placing a strain on street capacity. Presently, tourist transport is viewed as a foundational element in the enhancement of the religious tourism sector in all its facets. Railways have evolved over time to not only serve as a mode of transportation but also as a means to reach tourist sites. It is evident that the development of tourist destinations in numerous nations has progressed alongside the introduction of railway networks. Train speeds have advanced to surpass 400 miles per hour, rendering it a swift, cost-effective, and comfortable mode of travel. Some countries have adopted the practice of linking airports with railway systems to facilitate the transportation of tourists to tourist sites. All these factors underscore the significance of the chosen topic as the focal point of my research. The study delves into the correlation between rail transportation and religious tourism endeavors from a geographical standpoint, as indicated by the spatial context of Baghdad city.