Rising on the east bank of the Tigris, just north of al‑Mutanabbī Street, the brick‑built Abbasid Palace is one of only a handful of secular monuments that survived Baghdad’s 1258 Mongol sack. Most scholars attribute its construction to Caliph al‑Nāṣir (r. 1180‑1225), who is said to have demolished a stretch of the city wall and raised the palace between 1180 and 1184 CE
Look for the Kufic band above the main gate: the brickwork is carved, not inlaid, and still preserves traces of the original stucco wash—evidence that the façade was once brightly painted, not bare brick.
These details—misaligned “mosque,” climate‑smart bricks, and brick muqarnas—make the Abbasid Palace a unique field laboratory for students of early Islamic architecture and a must‑see stop on any heritage‑focused walk through Baghdad.
Salman al-Muhammadi, originally from Persia (modern-day Iran), was one of the most beloved companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). His spiritual journey is legendary — from Zoroastrianism to Christianity to finally embracing Islam in Medina. He played a key role in the Battle of the Trench, where he advised the Prophet to dig a trench around Medina — a tactic inspired by Persian military strategy.
Legacy:
Salman is considered a symbol of spiritual devotion, intellect, and cross-cultural unity in Islam. He was also appointed as the governor of al-Mada’in (Ctesiphon) during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab.
Tomb Location:
His shrine lies in al-Mada’in, near the ruins of the ancient Persian capital of Ctesiphon (south of Baghdad). The site is visited by Muslims of all sects and is noted for its peaceful aura and historical significance.
Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman
Background:
Hudhayfah was a close companion of the Prophet Muhammad and is renowned for his insight, wisdom, and loyalty. He was entrusted with many of the Prophet’s secrets and is known as “The Keeper of the Prophet’s Secrets.” He played a significant role in key military and political developments of the early Islamic state, especially during the caliphates of Uthman and Ali.
Role in Islamic History:
He was instrumental during the Battle of the Trench and later took part in the campaign against the Persian Empire. He also played a role in the standardization of the Qur’an during the time of Caliph Uthman.
Tomb Location:
His resting place is adjacent to Salman’s, also in al-Mada’in. The site contains a large courtyard and mosque and is considered one of Iraq’s most spiritually significant locations.
Shrines of Salman and Hudhayfah in al-Mada’in
Overview:
Tell Harmal is an archaeological site located in the modern-day Al-Rusafa district of eastern Baghdad. Though often overlooked by casual visitors, it is one of the most important ancient sites within the capital itself, offering a rare glimpse into Old Babylonian-period urban life.
Ancient Identity:
Tell Harmal is widely believed to be the ancient city of Shaduppum, a provincial center that flourished during the reigns of King Hammurabi (r. 1792–1750 BCE) and his successors in the Old Babylonian period. It was part of the kingdom of Eshnunna and played a significant role in regional administration and trade.
Archaeological Significance:
Architecture:
Why It Matters:
📍 Visiting Tip:
Although not currently a major tourist destination, efforts are underway to preserve and present Tell Harmal as a cultural heritage site. It is best visited with a knowledgeable guide who can interpret the site’s subtle but historically rich features.
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