Top Historical Sites in Iraq You Should Know About
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Editor
- . May 4, 2025
- . Update: May 3, 2025 3:25 pm
Iraq is frequently considered the cradle of civilization and is home to a multitude of monuments and sites that tell the stories of long-lost empires. From the ruins of ancient Mesopotamian cities, to the Islamic capitals of years gone by, these vestiges attest to humanity’s shared past.
Babylon
Babylon was once the center of the ancient Babylonian Empire and is best known for its relation to the great Hammurabi and the mythical hanging gardens. The city was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites in 2019 and the ruins are indicative of the historical importance of this ancient city.
Erbil Citadel
Located on a tell in Kurdistan in Iraq, Erbil Citadel is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. The tale demonstrates the different layers of civilizations, ranging from Assyrian to Ottoman.
Hatra
The fortified city of Hatra, composed of a mixture of Hellenistic and Roman architectural elements was ultimately able to resist many invasions due to its fortifications. Recorded as an important protected site by UNESCO in 1985, Hatra offers an important model of both Eastern and Western architecture.
Samarra Archaeological City
Samarra was the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate and is an example of the highest achievements of Islamic art and architecture. The city’s spiral minaret and great mosques demonstrate the importance of the site historically and religiously.
Ashur
Ashur was the first capital of the Assyrian Empire; it has significant archaeological value. The temples and palaces of Ashur demonstrate evidence of urban planning in early Mesopotamia.
The Ahwar of Southern Iraq
This site comprises the Mesopotamian Marshes and the ancient Sumerian sites of Uruk and Eridu. The area has been recognized for its biodiversity and cultural significance, exhibiting the shared continuity of nature and civilization.
