Archnet is an Open Access resource, provided to the public to facilitate cultural understanding and excellence in both scholarship and practice. Unless otherwise noted. Archnet material is available for instructional, nonprofit use, and personal use on the terms of a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International</a> (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. Content from Archnet.org may not be published, displayed, or appropriated for commercial use without the expressed written permission of the copyright holder. Please contact Archnet to request permission to use the Archnet.org website and its contents beyond the scope outlined above. High-resolution images may be available by contacting us using <a href="mailto:archnet@mit.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">archnet@mit.edu</a>.

Terms of use

Archnet is a community powered resource that provides ready access to visual and textual material to facilitate teaching, scholarship, and professional work of high quality.&nbsp;This unparalleled resource continues to grow with both the addition of historic archives and documentation on contemporary trends shaping the built environment today.&nbsp;To better serve you, our user, in the study of art and architecture of Muslim societies, we continue to build our vast collection of sites, publications, images, and videos. We invite your involvement, particularly in the areas below:<ul><li>To ensure a high level of scholarly content and accuracy in the information provided, we appreciate your expert feedback and, more importantly, your contributions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Please send comments, corrections, commendations, and other feedback to <a href="mailto:archnet@mit.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">archnet@mit.edu</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>If you find sites on Archnet to which you can contribute in compelling and meaningful ways, your generosity is most welcome. If you would be interested in contributing research, publications or other media to Archnet, please contact us using <a href="about:blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">archnet-submission@mit.edu</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>We welcome the donation of select archives based on our current editorial policies and priorities.&nbsp;If you have a collection you would like to bring to the attention of Archnet's editors, please send an email to: <a href="http://mailto: archnet-submission@mit.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">archnet-submission@mit.edu</a>.</li><li>Occasionally, Archnet editors issue calls for contributions on specific themes or of particular types of material. Follow those on the <a href="https://libraries.mit.edu/akdc/category/contributors/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website of AKDC@MIT </a>or <a href="https://mailchi.mp/17fc345bbd94/archnetakdc-updates" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to our mailing list</a>.</li></ul>The breadth, depth and quality of Archnet is only possible through the generosity of numerous institutions and individuals listed on the respective pages throughout the site.&nbsp;We thank you for your generosity!

Contribute

<h2>ARCHNET FAQ</h2>1. Will ARCHNET work on my device?Archnet works well on the most recent version of any major browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge), either on a mobile device or computer. It may work on older or less common browsers as well. If Archnet fails to work properly on your machine, please let us know about your experience by clicking the blue feedback button at bottom right!2. Will my URLs still work?Yes, as of October 12, 2021, all URLs from the old Archnet have been redirected to ARCHNET NEXT.&nbsp;&nbsp;3. How do I download a/n:&nbsp;<ul><li>image - Select the image you want to download from search results, a site or an authority. The image will open in your browser.&nbsp;Right click to download.&nbsp;For larger, high-resolution copies, see contact us using archnet@mit.edu.&nbsp;</li><li>publication - Open the page for the publication in your browser and click the download button. Reprinting Archnet publications is permissible only for personal use.&nbsp;Please contact us for any other requests.&nbsp;</li><li>site descriptions and metadata - Site descriptions and metadata can be used for any nonprofit or educational organization with appropriate attribution to the authors and Archnet.&nbsp;</li><li>video - Currently video downloads are not possible. If you'd like to use an Archnet video, please contact <a href="mailto:archnet@mit.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">archnet@mit.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>See our <a href="https://www.archnet.org/pages/terms" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Terms of Use</a> for information on how you can use Archnnet material.4. Can I contribute material to Archnet?&nbsp;Yes!&nbsp;See our <a href="https://www.archnet.org/pages/contribute" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Contribute</a> page for more information.&nbsp;Calls for specific contributions are also also shared in our social media and on the <a href="https://libraries.mit.edu/akdc/category/contributors/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">web site of the Aga Khan Documentation Center at MIT</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;5. What happened to the Archnet Timeline?&nbsp;Timeline has migrated into the ARCHNET NEXT Collections page&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archnet.org/collections/collection_type/3/1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">as a category</a>. These collections provide short introductions for each period, often offering lists of additional resources at the end of the entry. Only the timeline graphic listing the periods along a chronological axis has not migrated.6. My question isn't here.&nbsp;How can I get help?&nbsp;If your issue is with using Archnet, use the blue Feedback button to alert us to your issue. This will allow you to include a screenshot or recording. Please, also, feel free to contact us at <a href="mailto:archnet@mit.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">archnet@mit.edu</a>We are currently developing the help section of ARCHNET NEXT. In the meantime, please use the blue Feedback button in ARCHNET NEXT to send us feedback or other questions. Contact us at <a href="mailto:archnet@mit.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">archnet@mit.edu</a>.&nbsp;

Need help?

Welcome to ARCHNET NEXT, the latest iteration of Archnet, an Open Access, intellectual resource focused on architecture, urbanism, environmental and landscape design, conservation issues, visual and material cultures, and other topics related to the built environment. With a focus on societies in which Muslims are or have been a significant cultural presence, Archnet’s mission is to provide ready access to quality, unique texts and media that facilitate excellence in teaching, scholarship, and professional work. Since it was originally launched in 2002 Archnet’s digital library has grown considerably.&nbsp;Moreover, Archnet has developed a well established reputation as a reliable authority and useful tool for teaching and learning about the built environment of Muslim societies, past, and present. Archnet is a partnership between the <a href="https://archnet.org/collections/1342" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aga Khan Documentation Center at MIT </a> (AKDC@MIT) and the <a href="https://archnet.org/authorities/1903" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aga Khan Trust for Culture</a> (AKTC), with support from the <a href="https://archnet.org/collections/50" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture</a> at Harvard and MIT.&nbsp;ARCHNET NEXT was developed by <a href="https://www.performantsoftware.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Performant Software Solutions</a>. For help using Archnet, <a href="https://www.archnet.org/pages/help" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">click here</a>.

About

 Baghdad

place

gate

Iraq

Import

Sir Keppel Archibald Cameron Creswell

Creswell: Iraq

https://admin.archnet.org/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBaWZCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--75bf72b62e6b44d90566db3f9ada6d27794b4e69/ICR2157.JPG

B & W print

ICR2157

Bab al-Wastani

https://admin.archnet.org/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBaWpCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--b9878dc4013920c7d9a30b8021f9186b3201dfac/ICR2158.JPG

ICR2158

https://admin.archnet.org/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBaW5CIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--e41384f6c21ec97fbe7b96be116ba9e947a0450e/ICR2159.JPG

ICR2159

https://admin.archnet.org/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBaXJCIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--b37ccabc397576d7be6019b8908c86646fa383fe/ICR2160.JPG

ICR2160

Wastani Gate

Variant

Bab al-Zafariyya

Zafariyya Gate

The Middle Gate

Gate of Wastani

<a href="https://www.archnet.org/collections/2352" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Timeline of Abbasid sites</a> اَلْخِلَافَةُ ٱلْعَبَّاسِيَّةُ,&nbsp;al-Khilāfah al-ʿAbbāsiyyah &nbsp;&nbsp;In 750/132 AH there was a revolution against <a href="https://www.archnet.org/collections/2350" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Umayyad</a> rule which began in eastern Iran and rapidly spread over the whole empire. The Umayyads were totally destroyed except for one prince who fled to Spain and established the <a href="https://www.archnet.org/collections/2351" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Umayyad dynasty in Spain</a>. The newly established Abbasids decided to move the capital from <a href="https://www.archnet.org/authorities/3603" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Damascus</a> to a city further east, first <a href="https://www.archnet.org/authorities/3909" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Raqqa</a> was chosen and then in 762/144 AH <a href="https://www.archnet.org/authorities/3469" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Baghdad</a> was founded by the Abbasid <a href="https://www.archnet.org/authorities/3463" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">caliph al-Mansur</a>. Baghdad grew to be one of the biggest and most populous cities in the world based around Mansur's famous round city. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In 856/241 AH the <a href="https://www.archnet.org/authorities/8276" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">caliph al-Mu'tassim</a> was unhappy about clashes between the local population and his troops so he established a new capital further north on the Tigris at <a href="https://www.archnet.org/authorities/3929" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Samarra</a>. During this period the power of the caliphate began to decline and control over distant provinces was loosened. Several local dynasties grew up including the <a href="https://www.archnet.org/collections/2372" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tulunids</a> in Egypt, the Aghlabids in Ifriqiyya and the <a href="https://www.archnet.org/collections/2371" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Samanids</a> in Khurassan (eastern Iran). Internal troubles in Samarra caused the caliph al Mu'tamid to move back to Baghdad in 889/275 AH; at this time Abbasid power outside Iraq was purely nominal. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In 945/333 AH the Abbasids were replaced by the Shi'a <a href="https://www.archnet.org/collections/2356" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Buwaihid</a> amirs as rulers of Iraq and Iran. For the next two hundred years the Abbasids remained nominal caliphs with no real authority. In the mid-twelfth century the Abbasids were able to reassert some authority when the <a href="https://www.archnet.org/collections/2374" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Seljuk</a> ruler Sultan Muhamad abandoned his siege of Baghdad. During the reign of <a href="https://www.archnet.org/authorities/9138" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Caliph al-Nasir</a> (1179-1225/574-626 AH) the Abbasids were able to gain control over much of present-day Iraq. The Mongol invasions and sack of Baghdad in 1258 dealt a final blow to the political aspirations of the Abbasids. Although Abbasid architecture covers a vast area from North Africa to western India, the majority of extant buildings are in the Abbasid homeland of Iraq. Abbasid architecture was influenced by three architectural traditions - Sassanian, Central Asian (Soghdian) and later, during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, Seljuk.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Many early Abbasid structures such as the <a href="https://www.archnet.org/sites/3827" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">palace of Ukhaidhir</a> bear a striking resemblance to Sassanian architecture, as they used the same techniques (vaults made without centering) and materials (mud brick, baked brick and roughly hewn stone laid in mortar), and built to similar designs (solid buttress towers). Central Asian influence was already present in Sassanian architecture but it was reinforced by the Islamic conquest of Central Asia and the incorporation of a large number of Turkic troops into the army. Central Asian influence is seen most clearly at Samarra where the wall paintings and some of the stucco work resemble that of the Soghdian palaces at Panjikent. The Abbasid architecture of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries is essentially Seljuk architecture built with Iraqi materials.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to the various influences upon it, early Abbasid architecture can be seen to have developed its own characteristics. One of the most notable features of the Abbasid cities of Baghdad and Samarra is their vast scale. This is most clearly demonstrated at Samarra with its extensive palaces and mosques stretched out for more than 40 km along the banks of the Tigris. The scale of the site led to the development of new forms: thus the great spiral minarets of the <a href="https://www.archnet.org/sites/3828" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Great Mosque</a> and the <a href="https://www.archnet.org/sites/3830" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Abu Dulaf Mosque</a> were never repeated elsewhere (with the possible exception of the Ibn Tulun Mosque). Other developments had far-reaching consequences; for example, the three stucco types developed at Samarra rapidly spread throughout the Islamic world (e.g. the <a href="https://www.archnet.org/sites/3921" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Abbasid mosque at Balkh</a> in Afghanistan) and continued to be used centuries later. Petersen, Andrew. <a href="https://www.archnet.org/collections/126" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dictionary of Islamic Architecture</a>. London and New York: Routledge, 1999. Additional Archnet Resources (incomplete): Necipoglu, Gulru and David Roxburgh. “<a href="https://www.archnet.org/publications/13230" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New Abbasid Cities Baghdad and Samarra</a>.” Lesson 5/22 presentation developed for the <a href="https://www.archnet.org/collections/1428" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aga Khan Trust for Culture Education Programme</a>, 2019. Necipoglu, Gulru and David Roxburgh. “<a href="https://www.archnet.org/publications/13231" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Architecture of Empire The Abbasids</a>.” Lesson 6/22 presentation developed for the Aga Khan Trust for Culture Education Programme, 2019. <a href="https://www.archnet.org/collections/2528" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Early Islamic Gardens of Greater Syria: MEGT</a> Find hundred of other record by searching Archnet using the term <a href="https://www.archnet.org/search?search_token=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJyYW5nZSI6eyJ0aW1lX3BlcmlvZCI6e30sInllYXIiOnt9fSwicGFnZSI6MSwicXVlcnkiOiJBYmJhc2lkIiwiaWF0IjoxNjg3MjkwOTM3fQ.MYz95IjSQqvbvPukKbvX3KG2oPc2I9p_lJS5XucFzbE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Abbasid</a> Abbasid Rulers on Archnet: <a href="https://www.archnet.org/authorities/3463" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Abu Ja'far Abdallah ibn Muhammad al-Mansur</a>, ca. 714-775/95-158 AH<a href="https://www.archnet.org/authorities/8276" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">al-Mu'tasim</a>, r. 833-842/218-227 AH<a href="https://www.archnet.org/authorities/8283" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">al-Mutawakkil, </a> r. 847-861/232-247 AH<a href="https://www.archnet.org/authorities/9126" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">al-Mu'tamid</a>, r. 870-892/256-279 AH<a href="https://www.archnet.org/authorities/9138" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">al-Nasir li-Din Allah</a>, r. 1180-1225 Capital Cities on Archnet<a href="https://www.archnet.org/authorities/3774" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kufa</a><a href="https://www.archnet.org/authorities/3469" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Baghdad</a><a href="https://www.archnet.org/authorities/3909" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Raqqah</a><a href="https://www.archnet.org/authorities/3831" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Merv</a><a href="https://www.archnet.org/authorities/3929" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Samarra</a> Additional Resources:&nbsp; Bennison, Amira K. The Great Caliphs: The Golden Age of the Abbasid Empire. London: Tauris, 2009. Cook, Michael, ed. The New Cambridge History of Islam. 6 vols. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2010. Komaroff, Linda. “The Art of the Abbasid Period (750–1258).” HEILBRUNN TIMELINE OF ART HISTORY ESSAYS. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, October 2001. https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/abba/hd_abba.htm. Archived at <a href="https://perma.cc/JHX9-LVVQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://perma.cc/JHX9-LVVQ</a>. &nbsp; Saba, Matthew. Impermanent monuments, lasting legacies: The dār al-khilāfa of samarra and Palace building in early Abbasid Iraq. Reichert Verlag. 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bab al-WastaniBaghdad, Iraq

Bab al-Wastani
Baghdad, Iraq