The ancient city of Samarra

　　The ancient city of Samarra is the site of a powerful Islamic capital, which proves its innovation in architecture and art, an innovation that developed there and spread to the Islamic world and beyond. The Great Mosque and its spiral minaret from the 9th century AD are among the many outstanding architectural wonders of the site, 80% of which remain to be excavated.

　　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, over 50 meters high, features a unique design that incorporates elements of Assyrian ziggurat architecture. This spiral minaret serves as the minaret of the Great Friday Mosque. At that time, Caliph al-Mu'tasim moved the capital from Baghdad to Samarra, where he built 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 moved back to Baghdad, and Samarra gradually declined, becoming ruins by the year 1300. However, the uniquely shaped spiral tower still stands today. It is a relic along the Silk Road and holds significant importance in the history of human civilization. These ruins in the ancient city are a precious cultural heritage of humanity.

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