Brief Description:
Stretching for over 40 km along the banks of the Tigris, Samarra is recognized as possibly the largest archaeological site in the world today. It was developed as an important centre in 836 CE, when the Abbasid caliph al-Mu'tassim established it as his capital, following clashes between his troops (of Central Asian origin) and the population of Baghdad. In searching for a residence for the court, and a base for the Abbasid army, outside of Baghdad, the Caliph chose the region for its hunting, even though it was poor in natural resources. The city remained in power for 56 years and was home to eight caliphs, until 892 when the power returned to Baghdad.

Mud brick and pise (clay) were the main building materials in Samarra. Baked brick was used for more important structures such as the Great Mosque and the Bab al-Amma. Carved and moulded stucco panels decorated palaces and houses, and provide the earliest examples of bevelled stucco decoration. None of the wall paintings or glass mosaics, which decorated some of Samarra's palaces, remain today.

Directly to the east of the Caliph's palace is the Great Mosque of Samarra with its famous spiral minaret (the Malwiyya), which may have been influenced by earlier Mesopotamian ziggurats. Measuring over 240 by 160 m, this is one of the largest mosques in the world, as well as one of the most important for the development of the Islamic architecture. The internal structure, which is being today rebuilt with modern materials, was originally in marble columns. A large fountain was placed at the centre of the main court. The modern town of Samarra is located approximately in the centre of the Abbasid city.

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Committee

NOTE: The following site is not part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site List.