Kirkuk Citadel, Diyala Region Travel Guide

Kirkuk Citadel, rising 130 feet above the Khasa River, is considered the oldest structure in Kirkuk. Its origins are debated, with some believing it was built by the Gutian people around 3,500 years ago, while others attribute it to the Assyrian king Ashurnasirpal II in the 9th century BCE. Over the centuries, the Citadel has been a melting pot of cultures, serving as a Jewish temple, a Christian church, and finally a Muslim mosque.King Seleucus I Nicator erected a strong rampart with 72 towers around the citadel's 72 streets. A jewel within the citadel is the 'Red Church,' adorned with mosaics dating back to before the Islamic conquest of Iraq in the 7th century CE. The Great Mosque, completed in the 13th century, and the Prophet Daniel Mosque, believed to contain Daniel's tomb and completed in the 15th century, are also prominent structures.In the late 1990s, Saddam Hussein launched a campaign to 'beautify' the citadel, resulting in the forced removal of Kurdish and Turkoman residents and the destruction of hundreds of houses. However, some monuments and houses remained, and restoration efforts have been underway since 2010 under UNESCO supervision. Today, the Citadel stands as a testament to Kirkuk's rich history and cultural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into its layered past.