This photo taken on Oct. 21, 2026 shows the Qishla Clock Tower by the Tigris River in Baghdad, Iraq. October 31 marks World Cities Day. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

This photo taken on Oct. 21, 2026 shows a view of the al-Rusafi Square in Baghdad, Iraq. October 31 marks World Cities Day. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

People walk on the al-Mutanabbi Street in Baghdad, Iraq, Oct. 21, 2026. October 31 marks World Cities Day. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

This photo taken on Oct. 23, 2026 shows high-rise residential complexes under construction in Baghdad, Iraq. October 31 marks World Cities Day. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)