Sherwana Castle: A Kurdish Fortress

Sherwana Castle, or Shirwanah Castle, stands as a proud testament to Kurdish history and architectural prowess in Kalar, within the Sulaymaniyah Governorate of Iraq. Constructed in 1866 by Mohamed Pasha Jaff, a Kurdish leader appointed by the Ottoman Empire, the castle served as the administrative hub for the local Jaff tribe and a residence for the Pasha and his family. The castle's strategic location on a high mound, approximately 12.30 meters in height, provided a vantage point to monitor the surrounding region. Its architecture blends Assyrian, Babylonian, and Sasanian influences, incorporating mud bricks, roasted bricks, stones, plaster, and walnut wood. The castle comprises two floors and a pavilion-like third floor, featuring rooms, halls, arched windows, and geometrically structured hearths. Throughout its history, Sherwana Castle has witnessed various conflicts and natural disasters, including military activity in the 1990s, heavy rains in 2014, and an earthquake in 2017. Restoration efforts have been undertaken to preserve this cultural treasure, which attracts thousands of tourists annually. Visitors can explore the castle's grounds, climb the stairs to its base, and discover a small museum housing artifacts unearthed from the site, offering insights into the region's rich past. The castle is particularly enchanting at night, illuminated with colorful lights that create a sense of safety and happiness.