Taq Kasra (Arch of Ctesiphon)

Salman Pak, Baghdad Governorate, Iraq

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Taq Kasra, also known as the Arch of Ctesiphon, is one of Iraq’s most famous ancient landmarks and stands near Salman Pak in the Baghdad Governorate. It is the surviving façade of a grand palace from the Sasanian Empire and is the only major visible remnant of the ancient city of Ctesiphon, which served as a capital of the Persian empires for many centuries. Built between the 3rd and 6th centuries CE, the structure is renowned for its enormous brick arch, which rises about 37 meters high and was one of the largest free-standing brick vaults ever constructed in the ancient world. Its innovative engineering and monumental scale make it one of the most important achievements of ancient architecture. Today, Taq Kasra is a powerful symbol of Iraq’s rich pre-Islamic heritage and a reminder of the former grandeur of Ctesiphon. Despite centuries of damage from time and natural forces, it remains one of the country’s most remarkable archaeological treasures and an important site for historical preservation.