Kirkuk Citadel

The citadel of Kirkuk stands on a tell rising above the Khasa river in the middle of the city, a settlement mound built up by continuous occupation reaching back thousands of years to the Assyrian city of Arrapha and earlier. On top were streets of houses, mosques, churches and a synagogue, and the tomb traditionally identified as that of the prophet Daniel, which is venerated by Muslims, Christians and Jews alike. The mound's population was moved off in the 1990s and most of the houses were demolished, leaving the tell largely bare with a few restored buildings, sections of wall and the tomb complex. Restoration has proceeded in phases. The city below is mixed Kurdish, Turkmen, Arab and Christian, and its market is worth the walk.

History

In 1923 archaeologists found 51 clay tablets near the citadel showing that the site goes back at least to the 2nd millennium BC. Seleucus I Nicator built a rampart with 72 towers around its 72 streets and two entrances, the so-called Red Church keeps traces of mosaics from before the 7th century, and Timur is believed to have visited the citadel in 1393 (Wikipedia, Kirkuk Citadel).

Highlights

• The tell - the occupation mound rising above the river and city.
• Daniel's tomb - the shrine venerated across several faiths.
• Restored fragments - the few buildings and wall sections rebuilt.
• The city below - the mixed quarters and market around the mound.

When to go

November to March; Kirkuk summers are severe. Mornings are best on the exposed mound. Access to parts of the citadel varies with the state of works and should be checked locally.

Practical notes

Most of the historic quarter on the mound was demolished and what remains is fragmentary, with restoration incomplete. Areas may be fenced. Interpretation is minimal.

Nearby

Sherwana castle lies south-east; Sulaymaniyah is east.

Key facts