Samarra, located about 130 km north of Baghdad, was once the powerful capital of the Abbasid Caliphate, which extended from Tunisia to Central Asia in the 9th century. Today, the Samarra Archaeological City remains one of Iraq’s most significant and largely unexplored historical sites, with around 80% of the area still awaiting excavation.
Spanning 41.5 km from north to south, Samarra is famous for its exceptional architectural and artistic innovations. It is the only surviving Abbasid capital with its original layout, showcasing iconic landmarks such as the Great Mosque of Samarra, the Malwiya Mosque with its distinctive spiral minaret, and the Caliphal Palace (Qasr al-Khalifa). The site is also home to unique ceramics like Lustre Ware.
Samarra stands as a monumental example of Islamic architecture and urban planning, providing a glimpse into the grandeur of the Abbasid Empire. Despite suffering some damage from later occupations, the city’s integrity remains largely intact. Ongoing restoration efforts follow international standards, ensuring the preservation of this invaluable historical site.
A specialized archaeological team from Italy has commenced surveying several significant archaeological sites south of Samarra, in Iraq’s Saladin Province. The mission focuses on surveying and documenting a range of historical sites from various civilizations, with the potential to uncover valuable insights into the region’s rich past.
The team, composed of archaeologists from the provincial Directorate of Antiquities and Heritage, along with researchers from the University of Bologna, is led by Nicolò Marchetti. In addition to the survey, the mission includes training local archaeological staff in modern survey techniques and site documentation to ensure the protection of these important locations.
