Samarra

The city stretches along the eastern bank of the Tigris River, featuring ancient architectural remains and religious monuments across a 32-kilometer expanse.

The Abbasid caliph al-Mu'tasim established Samarra as the administrative capital in 836 CE, constructing palaces and military facilities to govern the expansive territory.

The Great Mosque of Samarra with its spiral minaret Malwiya represents the peak of Islamic architectural achievement during the Abbasid period.

Visitors need special permits and guided tours to access the archaeological areas, which include multiple excavation sites spanning different historical periods.

The remains of prehistoric Samarra, discovered through excavations between 1911 and 1914, reveal settlement patterns dating back to the 5th millennium BCE.

Location: Diyala Governorate

Elevation above the sea: 80 m

GPS coordinates: 34.20000,43.90000

Latest update: May 28, 2025 17:57