ποΈ Samarra Archaeological City
Abbasid imperial capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site
π Fast Facts
- Abbasid capital from 836 to 892 CE, stretching 40 kilometres along the Tigris River
- Contains the Great Mosque of Samarra and the distinctive 52-metre spiral Malwiya Minaret
- Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 under criteria (ii), (iii), and (iv)
- On the List of World Heritage in Danger due to looting, conflict damage, and urban encroachment
Samarra Archaeological City stands as one of the most significant Islamic archaeological sites in the world, preserving the remains of the Abbasid Caliphate's imperial capital. Founded by Caliph al-MuΚΏtasim in 836 CE as a purpose-built administrative and military centre, Samarra flourished for just over half a century before its abandonment in the late 9th century. This brief but intense period of occupation left the site relatively undisturbed, offering an unparalleled window into early ...