A City Built On Top Of A Mountain | The City of Amadiyah Sits 1400 Meters Above Sea Level!

The City of Amadiyah, situated 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) above sea level, is a unique urban settlement perched atop a mountain plateau in northern Iraq. Life on this plateau goes back to 3000 BC, to the time of ancient Assyrians. This dramatic elevation gives the city stunning panoramic views of the surrounding terrain. However, the same geographical features also pose significant challenges. Amadiyah’s location on a high plateau makes it almost impossible for the city to expand.

Amadiyah’s elevated position has historically made it a strategic military stronghold. The tiny plateau is 1000 meters long by 550 meters wide. As of today, nearly 6,000 people live in the city of Amadiya. Let’s explore the rich history, culture, and archaeological significance of the city.

City of Amadiyah’s Historical Overview

The City of Amadiyah has a rich and storied history that stretches back over 5,000 years. Historians claim that Mitanni found the city in 3,000 B.C.The city’s origins can be traced to ancient Mesopotamia, where it was known for its strategic importance. Amadiyah was once part of the Assyrian Empire. Assyrians wrote the first record about the city discovered so far, in the 9th century BCE.

Later the city became significant under various other empires, including the Persian and Ottoman Empires. Its elevated location made it a key defensive site, and its strategic position allowed it to control trade routes and serve as a stronghold against invasions. Legends say that three kings who followed the star of Bethlehem to visit an infant Jesus came from here.

Unique Geographical Location

Amadiyah lies in the northern region of Iraqi Kurdistan, about 115 kilometers north of Mosul and just 10 kilometers from the Turkish border. The City is located on an elliptical hill on top of a plateau that is not more than 1km and reaches 450m above the level of the surrounding areas. The distinctive and impressive shape and location of the city together with the two mountains (Mateen and Gara) that surround it has made its landscape exceptional natural beauty.

To reach the city, travelers drive up a winding road from the town of Al-Amadiya below, navigating steep switchbacks with stunning views of valleys and mountains. Only 40 kilometers from the larger city of Dohuk, Amadiyah is a popular day-trip destination. The surrounding mountains and the city’s elevated position on a small plateau limit its growth and preserve its unique charm.

Despite its remote feel, visitors can access Amadiyah by car, making it an ideal spot for those seeking to explore Iraqi Kurdistan’s historical and natural beauty. Its location near the border and other significant sites enhances its appeal as a destination rich in both geography and culture.

City of Amadiyah’s Architectural Significance

Amadiyah is home to several ancient gates and historical structures that reflect its rich past. Among these are the five ancient gates that once served as entry points to the city. These gates are not just architectural features but also symbols of the city’s historical fortifications.

The most notable among these is the Badinan Gate, which dates back to the era of the Badinan Emirate in the 12th century. This gate remains a prominent landmark and a testament to Amadiyah’s strategic importance. The gate has other historical features, for example, the symbol of the God of the Sun and the sculpture of the star. We know Assyrians used this figure devotionally. Two snakes with fabulous animal heads, similar to a wolf with large ears and open jaws surround the symbols of the God of the Sun, fighting against warriors wearing brocaded clothes that represent the Parthian warriors’ uniform.

In addition to the gates, the city’s architecture includes a mix of ancient and medieval structures. The Great Mosque of Amadiyah first founded in 1177, for example, is a significant religious site that reflects the city’s Islamic heritage. The remnants of old churches and synagogues also highlight the city’s diverse religious history. These structures contribute to the city’s historical ambiance and attract visitors interested in exploring its past.

Cultural Heritage

The City of Amadiyah is notable for its rich cultural heritage. Over the centuries, it has been a melting pot of various ethnic and religious groups. Its cultural practices, festivals, and traditions reflect this diversity. The Kurdish, Assyrian, and Jewish communities have all contributed to the city’s unique cultural fabric.

For Shavin Ismael, librarian at the Amedi campus of the University of Duhok, this is a source of pride. “You can’t tell whether a family is Christian or Muslim. Last month there was a Christian funeral, and three-quarters of the mourners were Muslim,”. For centuries Amedi was a leading center of the Jewish population. However, Jews left en masse when the UN created Israel.

This preservation of culture is an important aspect of Amadiyah’s identity and is a key reason why it remains a fascinating destination for those interested in history and culture. The City of Amadiyah is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Amedi’s cultural mix “is lovely. It’s one of the points that attracted me to study the city,” Dr. Shireen Ismael says. But if no action is taken, she adds, “Amedi will lose its value and significance because the changes are so fast. Heritage is nonrenewable. When you’ve lost it, it’s gone.”

Modern Challenges and Preservation

In contemporary times, Amadiyah faces several challenges. Its limited space restricts its ability to expand and modernize. The city’s infrastructure is constrained by its geographical location, making it difficult to undertake large-scale construction projects. This limitation helps preserve the city’s historical character but also poses challenges for its 4000 residents. Many of the younger generation have left the city due to economic stagnation. And unregulated constructions pose a serious challenge. Many houses function only as summer vacation properties, their owners absent most of the year

Efforts to preserve Amadiyah’s cultural and historical heritage are ongoing. Dr. Ismael and her colleagues are working with the WMF to identify specific clusters of surviving heritage houses and parts of the bazaar, analyzing materials, designs, and typologies of windows, doors, and archways. They are bringing in local architects to sketch possible reconstructions.

Tourism and Attractions

Tourism is an important aspect of Amadiyah’s economy. The city’s unique location and historical significance attract visitors from around the world. Tourists come to explore the ancient gates, historical buildings, and the stunning natural landscape that surrounds the city. The picturesque views from the plateau offer a memorable experience for those who visit.

Conclusion

The City of Amadiyah, perched 1,400 meters above sea level on a mountain plateau, stands as a remarkable example of how geography and history intersect. Its elevated position has made it a strategic fortress throughout history, while also presenting significant challenges for modern expansion. Despite these limitations, Amadiyah’s preserved historical sites and cultural heritage continue to attract visitors and reflect its unique past. As a living piece of history, Amadiyah’s charm and significance endure, offering a glimpse into a time when its natural fortifications shaped its destiny.

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