Telafer Castle

Tal Afar, Iraq, Iraq

---

Telafer Castle, also known as the Tal Afar Citadel, is a historic fortress located in the city of Tal Afar in northwestern Iraq. Built during the Ottoman period on a site that contains much older remains dating back to the Assyrian era, it occupied a strategic position overlooking important routes between Mesopotamia and the Levant. For centuries, the castle served as a defensive stronghold and a symbol of the city. In modern times, it was used for government and security functions, but it suffered severe damage after being seized by ISIS, which destroyed large sections of its walls and structures in 2014 and 2015. Although much of the citadel now lies in ruins, it remains one of Iraq’s important historical landmarks. The site reflects the region’s long and layered history, and there have been continuing calls to preserve and restore this significant piece of cultural heritage.