Basra
Al-Qurna stands at the point where the Tigris and the Euphrates meet to form the Shatt al-Arab, about 75 km north-west of Basra. Local tradition has long…
Al-Qurna stands at the point where the Tigris and the Euphrates meet to form the Shatt al-Arab, about 75 km north-west of Basra. Local tradition has long linked this meeting of the two great rivers of Mesopotamia with the garden of Nabi Adam, and an ancient tree on the riverbank, known as Adam's Tree, was shown to travellers here for generations. The original tree has since withered and younger trees have been planted in its place. Today the tree stands in a small landscaped garden on the point of land between the rivers, with rose beds and a riverside walk looking out over the confluence. The garden was renovated a few years ago and is popular with families in the afternoons and evenings, when the heat has eased, and there is a restaurant beside it. A stop here combines well with the shrines around al-Qurna, including the grave of Nur ibn Ali al-Hadi about 5 km to the north.