Kirkuk Citadel: A Timeless Landmark

Kirkuk Citadel stands as a powerful reminder of the many civilizations that have shaped the region. Situated on a tell (mound) 40 meters high, overlooking the Khasa River, the Citadel has been a strategic and cultural focal point for millennia. Its history is interwoven with the stories of the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, and Ottomans, each leaving their mark on its architecture and identity. Believed to have been initially constructed between 884 and 858 B.C. by King Ashurnasirpal II, the Citadel has served various purposes throughout its existence, from a military stronghold to a royal residence. Over time, it housed a Jewish temple, which was subsequently transformed into a Christian church and finally a Muslim mosque, symbolizing Kirkuk's diverse religious heritage. The Citadel also holds religious significance as the believed final resting place of the biblical prophet Daniel. Within the Citadel's walls, visitors can explore historical and religious structures, including the Great Mosque, dating back to the 13th century, the Green Dome, and the Prophet Daniel Mosque. The Al-Qaysariyah Market and the Chaldean Church, both completed in the 19th century, add to the Citadel's architectural tapestry. Despite facing periods of destruction and neglect, including a campaign in the 1990s that led to the removal of many Kurdish and Turkomen families, efforts are underway to restore and preserve this invaluable historical site.