Where is Mosul located and what makes it important in Iraq?
Posted on Feb 09, 2026 / Travel
Mosul is a large city in northwestern Iraq on both sides of the Tigris River and is the capital of Nineveh province. It’s Iraq’s second biggest city and historically was a major trade hub linking parts of the Middle East together. The city grew up around ancient Nineveh, one of the oldest cities in the world, and you can still see the archaeological remains nearby. Mosul has long been important for commerce, agriculture and culture in northern Iraq. Today the city is rebuilding after years of conflict and is still a center for industry and education. Its population reflects a mix of ethnic and religious groups, although this mix changed a lot after recent wars. The location on the river and near old trade routes made Mosul valuable to many empires over centuries.
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