Baghdad: A City of Heritage
Baghdad serves as the capital of Iraq and is historically recognized as the city of the caliphs. It is distinctly divided into two areas: Rusafa and Karkh. The Rusafa district is home to prominent streets, including Al-Rasheed and Al-Khalif, and features a rich tapestry of ancient mosques, churches, and monasteries. Notable landmarks within this vibrant district include the Imam Kadhim Shrine, the Miskinta Church, the Latin Church, the Syrian Catholic Church, and the Al-Dhahiriya Gate.
The Abbasid Palace
One of the historical structures in Baghdad is a two-story building that overlooks the Tigris River and the city’s square. This edifice represents the last remnant of the Abbasid Palace, from which the Abbasid dynasty ruled the Islamic empire, spanning from the 8th to the 13th centuries. This era marked the beginning of the Islamic Golden Age. Some historians suggest that this palace was constructed during the reign of Caliph Al-Nasir li-Din Allah and was utilized for educational purposes, owing to its architectural similarities with the Mustansiriya School in Iraq.
The Ziggurat of Ur
Ziggurats, which are stepped pyramidal temples built in ancient Mesopotamia, are found across Iraq and Iran. The Ziggurat of Ur is one of the best-preserved examples and was constructed by King Ur-Nammu in the 21st century BCE. At its summit lies a temple dedicated to the worship of Nanna, the patron deity of the ancient city of Ur, which is now situated at Tell al-Muqayyar in southern Iraq.
The Mustansiriya School
The Mustansiriya School ranks among the oldest religious institutions still operational today. Established in Baghdad by the 37th Abbasid caliph, Al-Mustansir Billah, its construction spanned six years, culminating in its opening in 1234 CE. The school offered instruction in all four Sunni schools of Islamic jurisprudence.
Video: The Ruins of Babylon
Iraq is home to numerous renowned historical city ruins. What do you know about Ur, Babylon, and Nimrud?