Qal'at Najm, Medieval fortress in Raqqa Governorate, Syria
Qal'at Najm is a stone fortress positioned on high ground overlooking the Euphrates River, featuring defensive walls, towers, and a central courtyard with a fountain at its core. The structure sits on what has become an island, surrounded by water and connected to the mainland by an artificial causeway.
Initial fortifications were built in the 7th century, followed by major reconstruction beginning in 1168 under Nur ad-Din. These renovations shaped the fortress into its current form.
The fortress contains a mosque featuring a distinctive double arcade design that overlooks the Euphrates, showcasing Islamic building traditions that visitors can still observe today.
The fortress can be reached by crossing an artificial causeway since it now sits isolated by water from the mainland. Visitors should be prepared for exposure to elements when traversing this access route.
The fortress served as a Turkish enclave from 1921 to 1973, maintaining its own separate administration and military garrison during those decades. This unusual political arrangement makes it a curious chapter in regional history.
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