Hit

Hit (Arabic: هيت, also romanised as Hīt) is a small city in the Iraqi Desert region of Al Anbār Governorate, on the west bank of the Euphrates River. Its history reaches back to at least 2900 BC, when Sumerians discovered bitumen wells nearby—the same natural asphalt used in building the ziggurats. Around 2200 BC the Akkadian Empire established the city of Tutul on this site; later it was named Isiopolis. After the Islamic conquest in 636 AD, Hit remained a modest but enduring riverside settlement.

The city sits above rich bitumen and sulphur deposits, which have been exploited for millennia. Several hot springs bubble up in the surrounding desert, a geological gift of the same subterranean formations. Hit is laid out along Highway 12, with its historic core near the river. The modern town is a quiet administrative and agricultural centre. The climate is searing desert: summer temperatures exceed 45°C, making October–April the only comfortable window to visit.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Baghdad International Airport (BGW), about 190 km east. A private taxi costs 40,000–60,000 IQD and takes around 2 hours.

By Train

Hit has a railway station (قطار الرمادي) on the Baghdad–Al-Qa'im line. As of 2024, rehabilitation of this line is underway, but it is unclear when passenger trains will resume. Check locally.

By Car / Road

Hit is on Highway 12, 40 km west of Ramadi (about 30 minutes) and 190 km west of Baghdad (about 2 hours). The road is paved. Shared taxis and minibuses run between Hit, Ramadi, and Baghdad.

The town is compact and walkable. Local taxis are readily available for trips to the outlying springs and the citadel area.

• Hīt Citadel (قلعة هيت): One of the most important citadels in Iraq, with origins reaching back to the Sumerian period. Mostly in ruins today, but its imposing position above the Euphrates is impressive. Free entry.

• Al-Farooq Mosque (جامع الفاروق): Historic mosque within the citadel grounds, built in 639 AD. Free entry.

• Waterwheels at Norias Park: Peculiar historic engineering constructions on the Euphrates—large wooden waterwheels that once lifted river water for irrigation.

• Bitumen Springs: The natural bitumen seeps that have been exploited since Sumerian times can still be seen on the outskirts of town.

• Hot Springs: The geological formations that produce bitumen also feed hot springs near Hit. Some are used by locals for bathing; ask locally for directions.

• Euphrates River Walk: Stroll along the riverbank near the citadel, especially at sunset.

• Desert Excursions: The surrounding Iraqi Desert offers stark landscapes for short 4WD trips.

• Lutfi Restaurant: Below the citadel, this simple eatery is known for grilled kebabs (lamb and chicken) served with flatbread and fresh vegetables.
• Riverside Grills: During cooler months, informal stalls near Norias Park cook masgoof (carp) and kebabs.

Sweet black chai is everywhere. Bottled water is essential. No alcohol.

• Budget: Basic rest houses (funduq) on Highway 12 offer simple rooms from 10,000–15,000 IQD.
• Mid-range: A few small hotels in the town centre provide private rooms with fans/AC for 25,000–40,000 IQD.

The local market (souk) near the citadel sells everyday goods, dates, and textiles. Hit has long been known for its bitumen-based products—small quantities of medicinal or craft bitumen can sometimes be found. Bargaining is expected.

• Ramadi (40 km east, ~30 min) — Provincial capital of Anbār with museums, university, and markets.
• Haditha (40 km west, ~30 min) — Euphrates town with the Haditha Dam and Qadisiyah Lake.
• Baghdad (190 km east, ~2 hr) — Iraq's capital, home to the National Museum of Iraq and historic districts.
• Al-Qa'im (110 km west, ~1 hr 15 min) — Border town on the Syrian frontier.
• Karbala (200 km southeast, ~2.5 hr) — Holy city for Shia Muslims, site of the Imam Hussein Shrine.