Al-Askari Shrine
Şalāḩ ad Dīn
The Al-Askari Shrine, located in Samarra within Iraq's Saladin Governorate, is one of the most important Shia Islamic sites worldwide. Established in 944 CE, it serves as the burial place of the 10th and 11th Shia Imams, Ali al-Hadi and Hasan al-Askari, known collectively as the 'Askariyyayn'. The shrine also contains the tombs of Hakima Khatun, sister of Ali al-Hadi, and Narjis, mother of Muhammad al-Mahdi, the Twelfth Imam. Architecturally notable for its golden dome covered with 72,000 gold pieces and light blue tile walls, the dome was a dominant feature of Samarra's skyline until its destruction in 2006 by Sunni extremist bombings. The shrine's minarets and clock tower were also destroyed in subsequent attacks but were restored by 2009. The shrine is part of the Samarra Archaeological City UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting its cultural and historical prominence. Adjacent to the mosque is the Serdab, a commemorative structure marking the place where Muhammad al-Mahdi entered the Minor Occultation, a key event in Shia belief. The shrine's destruction and restoration have had profound impacts on Iraq's sectarian relations and history, making it not only a religious landmark but also a symbol of resilience and unity among Shia Muslims.
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Consejo: Visitors should plan their visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the shrine's architecture and surroundings. It is advisable to check for any travel advisories and consider guided tours to gain deeper historical and religious insights. Tickets may be required for entry, with possible discounts for groups or religious pilgrims. Booking in advance is recommended especially during religious observances or peak visiting seasons to avoid crowds.
Datos interesantes
- •The shrine houses the tombs of the 10th and 11th Shia Imams, Ali al-Hadi and Hasan al-Askari, known as the 'Askariyyayn'.
- •Its golden dome was covered with 72,000 gold pieces and was a prominent feature of Samarra's skyline before its destruction in 2006.
- •The shrine is part of the Samarra Archaeological City UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized in 2007.
- •The adjacent Serdab commemorates the place where the Twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, entered the Minor Occultation, a significant event in Shia Islam.
- •The shrine's destruction in 2006 and 2007 by extremist bombings triggered widespread anger and contributed to the Iraqi Civil War between Shia and Sunni factions.
Historia
The Al-Askari Shrine was originally built in 944 CE as the burial site for the 10th and 11th Shia Imams, who lived under house arrest in Samarra during the Abbasid Caliphate.
The shrine underwent significant remodeling in 1868 under Nasir ad-Din Shah Qajar, with the iconic golden dome added in 1905.
The dome, spanning approximately 20 meters in diameter and rising 68 meters high, became a defining feature of Samarra's skyline.
In 2006 and 2007, the shrine suffered devastating bombings that destroyed the dome, minarets, and clock tower, acts that intensified sectarian tensions in Iraq.
Restoration efforts culminated in the reopening of the shrine in 2009, reaffirming its religious and cultural importance.
Guía del lugar
Golden Dome1905
Originally added in 1905, the golden dome was covered with 72,000 gold pieces and stood approximately 20 meters in diameter and 68 meters high. It was a dominant architectural feature before its destruction and later restoration.
Minarets
Two golden minarets flanked the dome, each standing 36 meters tall. They were destroyed in a bombing in 2007 and subsequently rebuilt during restoration efforts.
Serdab (Cistern)
A domed commemorative building adjacent to the mosque, built over the cistern where the Twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, entered the Minor Occultation, marking his hidden status in Shia belief.