Sherwana Castle, Medieval castle in Kalar, Iraq
Sherwana Castle is a fortress on the banks of the Shirwan River, featuring thick stone walls and a central cupola that define its defensive design. The complex contains multiple rooms and spaces that reveal how residents once lived within its walls.
Mohamed Pasha Jaff built the fortress in 1866 after receiving Ottoman approval to settle in the Shahrizor region. The construction marked the family's establishment as a local power in this strategic location.
The fortress served as a seat of power for the Jaff family, a Kurdish dynasty whose influence shaped the region for centuries. Its layout reveals how important this family was to local affairs.
The grounds are accessible year-round, and restoration work completed in 2018 has stabilized the structure. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain.
The fortress survived both World Wars and British occupation, a result of good relations between the Jaff family and British authorities. This unusual alliance protected the structure from destruction that befell many others.
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