Religious Tourism in Diyala Governorate

Abstract

This Research analyzes the current state and future prospects of religious tourism in Diyala Province in Iraq for focusing on the geographical distribution of religious shrines and their socio-economic impact. Diyala hosts over 50 religious sites across six districts—such as the Shrine of Imam Abu Idris in Baqubah and the therapeutic Shrine of Al-Haj Yousif—positioning it as a key destination for local and international visitors. Despite significant potential (e.g., strategic location between Iran and Baghdad, demographic diversity), the province faces critical challenges, including inadequate infrastructure (roads, electricity, lodging), security deficits, and lack of integrated tourism planning. Findings indicate that addressing these issues could increase visitor numbers and boost economic revenues (globally estimated at $5 billion annually). Practical recommendations include establishing a dedicated tourism authority, upgrading infrastructure, and promoting international marketing partnerships with neighboring Islamic countries.