Al-Ukhaidir Fortress

The Fortress of Al-Ukhaidir (Arabic: حصن الأخيضر) or Abbasid palace of Ukhaider is located roughly 50 km south of Karbala, Iraq. It is a large, rectangular fortress erected in 775 AD with a unique defensive style. Constructed by the Abbasid caliph As-Saffah's nephew Isa ibn Musa, Ukhaidir represents Abbasid architectural innovation in the structures of its courtyards, residences and mosque. Excavations at Ukhaidir were conducted in the early 20th century by Gertrude Bell, who wrote the first major report on the remains. Ukhaidir was an important stop on regional trade routes, similar to Atshan and Mujdah. The complex comprises a primary hall, a large Iwan, a reception hall and servants quarters. The fortress exemplifies Abbasid architecture in Iraq by demonstrating the "despotic and the pleasure-loving character of the dynasty" in its grand size but cramped living quarters.

The current name could be related to Isma'il ibn Yusuf al-Ukhaidhir from Banu Ukhaidhir who launched a rebellion against the Abbasid, then later he became the governor of Kufa with the support of Qarmatians.

Texte adapté de « Al-Ukhaidir Fortress » de la Wikipédia en anglais, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Al-Ukhaidir Fortress occupe la 809e place sur 5 793 au classement de renommée de cet atlas et le 3e rang des 9 que l’atlas recense en Irak. Fondé en 775, il est plus ancien que 97 % des monuments datés de l’atlas — l’un des 19 monuments de l’atlas fondés au VIIIe siècle. Voyez comment l’Irak se compare dans les statistiques des châteaux.

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