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,^[1][2] 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.^[3] Ukhaidir was an important stop on regional trade routes, similar to Atshan and Mujdah.^[4] The complex comprises a primary hall, a large Iwan, a reception hall and servants quarters.^[4] 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.^[5]

TypeFortress

OwnerGovernment of Iraq

Opento
thepublicYes

ConditionPartially preserved

Quick facts Site information, Type ...

Al-Ukhaidir Fortress
حصن الأخيضر
Karbala Governorate, Iraq Near Karbala in Iraq
Al-Ukhaidir Fortress near Karbala in Iraq
Site information
Type	Fortress
Owner	Government of Iraq
Open to the public	Yes
Condition	Partially preserved
Location
Al-Ukhaidir Fortress Location in Iraq
Coordinates	32.440556°N 43.602222°E / 32.440556; 43.602222
Site history
Built	775 (775)
Built for	Abbasid Caliphate
Built by	Isa ibn Musa
Materials	Stone, brick
Designations	UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List (2000)

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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.^[6]