The ancient city of Samarra

The ancient city of Samarra

The ancient city of Samarra is the site of a powerful Islamic capital that demonstrates architectural and artistic innovation developed on-site and disseminated throughout the Islamic world and beyond. The 9th-century Great Mosque and its Spiral Minaret are among the many remarkable architectural marvels at the site, 80% of which remain unexcavated.

The Great Mosque of Samarra, located on the banks of the Tigris River, is one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world. The Spiral Minaret of Samarra, standing over 50 meters tall with its unique design, incorporates elements of Assyrian ziggurat architecture. The Spiral Minaret served as the minaret of the Great Friday Mosque. At that time, Caliph Al-Mu'tasim moved the capital from Baghdad to Samarra, constructing magnificent palaces and gardens, extending the city along the Tigris River to a length of 3 kilometers. By the end of the 9th century, the capital was relocated back to Baghdad, and Samarra gradually declined, becoming a ruin by the year 1300. However, the uniquely shaped Spiral Tower still stands today. It is a relic of the Silk Road and holds significant importance in the history of human civilization. These ruins in the ancient city represent a precious cultural heritage of humanity.

Must-visit reason for Samarra Archaeological City: The site of Iraq’s most powerful Islamic capital