Saladin Governorate is an administrative region in central Iraq, in Asia. It takes its name from the medieval Ayyubid ruler Saladin, though the facts available here do not describe his connection to the region in further detail. The governorate is best known as the home of the historic city of Tikrit, which serves as its centre and gives visitors a clear starting point for exploring the area.
What the region is like
Saladin is valued for its agriculture, and its farmland is an important part of central Iraq's economy. Travellers who look beyond the cities will see a landscape shaped by fields and the rhythms of farming. The population is predominantly Sunni Arab, and visitors will find that local life, customs and hospitality reflect that character.
Planning a visit
Saladin suits travellers interested in Iraq beyond its largest cities, and in regions where agriculture and historic towns sit side by side. A visit is best built around Tikrit, from which the rest of the governorate can be explored.
- Tikrit is the historic city at the heart of the governorate and the natural focus of any trip.
- Agricultural landscapes give a sense of the region's working life beyond the town.
- Local community life reflects the governorate's Sunni Arab majority population.
Before travelling, check current conditions and advice for Iraq, as well as local arrangements for transport and accommodation within the governorate.
