Bashtabya Castle Travel Guide

Bashtabya Castle, also known as Bashtabiya Castle or Pashtabia Castle, is a historic structure that dates back to the 12th century. It was constructed as one of seven castles within Mosul's city wall. The castle's strategic location on the western bank of the Tigris River made it a crucial defensive point for the city.Throughout its history, Bashtabya Castle has witnessed numerous conflicts and periods of reconstruction. In 1393, the castle was damaged by Timur's forces but was later rebuilt by the Ottoman Empire. It played a significant role in the siege of Mosul during the Ottoman-Persian War of 1743-1746, when the Pasha of Mosul, Hajji Hossein Al Jalili, successfully defended the city against Nader Shah of Persia.In recent times, Bashtabya Castle suffered extensive damage at the hands of ISIS in April 2015, becoming one of many heritage sites destroyed by the group. Despite the destruction, parts of the castle remain intact, and the ruins were recaptured by the Iraqi Army in June 2017. The castle ruins remain an archaeological site and a symbol of Mosul.Today, visitors can explore the castle's grounds and take in panoramic views of Mosul and the surrounding landscape.