Basra is located in southern Iraq on the Arabian Peninsula. It is the country’s largest port.
Islamic mysticism was first introduced in Basra by al-Hasan al-Basri soon after the death of Mohammad. Also known as Sufism, it was an ascetic response to what was perceived as an increasing worldliness in Islam. Today the theological school of the Muʿtazilah is in Basra.
The Virgin Mary Chaldean Church is the largest Christian worship facility in Basra and was recently renovated. However, very few Jesus followers are in the city. It is estimated around 350 families adhere to one form of Christianity or another.
While the Christians of Iraq are considered one of the oldest continuous Christian communities in the world, the war and turmoil of the last 15 years have caused many of them to leave Basra and the country. They fear for their safety and don’t believe that the government is committed to protecting them.
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