Day 1
Samarra
Samarra is a historic city located in central Iraq, situated on the east bank of the Tigris River, about 125 kilometers north of Baghdad. It is renowned for its rich Islamic heritage and was once the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate during the 9th century (specifically from 836 to 892 AD).
One of Samarraβs most famous landmarks is the Great Mosque of Samarra, known for its unique spiral minaret called the Malwiya Tower, which is an iconic symbol of Islamic architecture. The city also houses many important archaeological sites and ancient ruins that reflect its historical significance as a center of Islamic culture, politics, and art.
Samarraβs history is marked by periods of prosperity and decline, but it remains a key cultural and religious site, especially for Shia Muslims, as it contains the Al-Askari Shrine, one of the holiest Shia shrines.