Baghdad, formerly named “City of Peace,” is the capital of Iraq and one of the largest urban agglomerations in the Middle East. In fact, with 7.7 million people, it is second in population only to Cairo in the Arab world.
When Iraq was at the height of its stability and economic stature in the ‘70s, Baghdad was revered by Muslims as the cosmopolitan center of the Arab world. After enduring seemingly constant war and conflict over the past 50 years, this emblem feels like a fading memory to its people.
Today, most of Iraq’s traditional Christian minority groups can be found in Baghdad, numbering around 250,000 people. With unprecedented population growth and continued economic instability, a window of opportunity is opened for Jesus followers in Iraq to heal their fractured nation through the peace of God found only in the Messiah.
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)