Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat)

Saladin Governorate, Iraq

---

Ashur, also known as Qal'at Sherqat, is an ancient city that once stood as the beating heart of the Assyrian Empire. Located on the western bank of the Tigris River in Iraq’s Saladin Governorate, it dates back to the 3rd millennium BCE and served as the capital during the Old, Middle, and part of the Neo-Assyrian periods.

The city was not only a political powerhouse but also a religious center, deeply associated with the god Ashur, from whom both the city and the empire took their name. Ashur’s strategic location at the crossroads of rain-fed and irrigated agriculture made it a vital hub for trade and governance. Its architecture reflected its grandeur, with temples, palaces, ziggurats, and fortified walls that showcased the evolution of Mesopotamian building practices over millennia.

The temple of Ishtar and the ziggurat dedicated to Ashur were among its most iconic structures, while the city’s layout revealed a sophisticated understanding of urban planning and ceremonial space. Excavations began in the late 19th century and continued through the 20th century, uncovering thousands of cuneiform tablets and artifacts that now reside in museums around the world.

These discoveries have provided invaluable insights into Assyrian religion, politics, and daily life. Despite its historical significance, Ashur has faced threats from modern development and conflict. A proposed dam project and regional instability have placed the site on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage in Danger since 2003.