Kirkuk Citadel: Ancient Heart of Kirkuk

Kirkuk Citadel, locally known as Qal'at Karkuk, is a significant historical site in the center of Kirkuk, Iraq. Perched atop a 40-meter-high tell (artificial mound) overlooking the Khasa River, the citadel is considered the oldest part of the city, with a history stretching back millennia.Archaeological evidence suggests habitation dating back to the 3rd millennium BC, with some historians attributing the oldest parts to the Gutian people around 3500 years ago. Others believe it was constructed by the Assyrian king Ashurnasirpal II between 884 and 858 BCE as a military defense post. Over the centuries, various empires, including the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, and Ottomans, have contributed to its architecture and fortifications. King Seleucus I Nicator is said to have built a strong rampart with 72 towers around the citadel.The citadel houses various historical and religious structures, reflecting the diverse cultural influences throughout its history. Notable sites include the Great Mosque (completed in the 13th century), the Green Dome (completed in 1360/1361 CE), the Prophet Daniel Mosque (believed to contain the Tomb of Daniel, completed in the 15th century), the Al-Aryan Mosque (completed in 1729/1730 CE), the Al-Qaysariyah Market, and a Chaldean Church. The citadel has been a melting pot of cultures and religions, with a Jewish temple, Christian church, and Muslim mosque existing within its walls at different times.In April 2021, the 42.5-hectare citadel was added to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Despite its historical significance, the citadel has faced challenges, including damage from conflicts and neglect. In the late 1990s, Saddam Hussein launched a campaign to "beautify" the citadel, which resulted in the forced removal of many Kurdish and Turkoman residents and the destruction of hundreds of houses. Reconstruction efforts have been ongoing, with UNESCO involved in overseeing renovations since 2010.