Explore the history of Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat), the first capital of the Assyrian Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage in Danger site. This 2025 guide explains the current security risks and why a visit is not possible.
The ancient city of Ashur, known locally as Qal'at Sherqat, represents one of the most important sites in the history of Mesopotamia. This city was the first religious and political capital of the Assyrian Empire, lending its name to the entire civilization. However, unlike other sites in Iraq, the most important question isn't "What is there to see?" but rather "Can I even visit?"
Unfortunately, the direct answer for 2025 is no. Visiting Ashur is currently an extremely high-risk and absolutely not recommended venture. The site is located in a region with an unstable security situation, has suffered significant damage, and carries a real risk of unexploded ordnance and mines. This article from Visit Iraq takes you on a historical tour to understand the importance of this place, while fully clarifying the dangers that prevent a visit today.
Why is Ashur of Exceptional Historical Importance?
Before Nineveh or Nimrud became capitals, Ashur was the heart of the Assyrian world for over a thousand years.
1. The First Capital and Center of the God Ashur
Founded in the third millennium BC, the city became the first capital of the Assyrian Empire. More importantly, it was the religious center for the worship of the national god "Ashur," after whom the city and the empire were named. All Assyrian kings were obligated to maintain and expand his temple.
2. The Towering Ziggurat
The most prominent feature on the site's horizon is the remains of the massive ziggurat dedicated to the god Ashur. Despite erosion over time, its immense size still hints at the grandeur it once possessed, rising above the Tigris River plain.
3. A City of Palaces and Temples
The city included massive walls, royal palaces, libraries, and a collection of other important temples, such as the double temple of "Anu and Adad." It served as the administrative and religious center from which the early Assyrians ruled their vast empire.
What are the Real Dangers Preventing a Visit to Ashur Today?
It is essential to understand that the situation in Ashur is radically different from cities like Baghdad or Erbil. Qal'at Sherqat is located in Salah al-Din Governorate, a region that has not yet fully recovered in terms of security.
| Risk Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Geographic Location | Located in a "red zone" according to most international travel advisories, outside the relatively safe Kurdistan Region. |
| Remnants of War | The site was subjected to sabotage and destruction by ISIS in 2015. More dangerous is the potential for unexploded ordnance (UXO) and mines in and around the site. |
| Lack of Infrastructure | There are no tourist services (guards, tickets, marked paths). The site has not been assessed by archaeological experts for years, meaning the condition of the structures is unknown and potentially dangerous. |
| Security Situation | The area still experiences intermittent security activity, making it completely unsafe for foreign or even local tourists without high-level security coordination. |
For these reasons, neither Visit Iraq nor any responsible tour company organizes trips to Ashur at this time, and we strongly advise against attempting to reach the site independently.
What Do Authoritative Sources Say About Visiting Ashur?
Given the absence of "visitors" in the traditional sense, the most useful "reviews" are the warnings issued by platforms specializing in travel to conflict zones.
"Risk of Unexploded Devices"
"Parts of the archeological site have reportedly been demolished by terrorists in 2015. ... Visitors are strongly advised not to stray from marked footpaths, as there is a risk of unexploded devices."
— Wikivoyage (The global travel guide)
"Red Zone"
"The security situation in Iraq, with the exception of the Kurdistan Region, still has a 'red zone travel warning'. The site gets a mere 'thousand or less' visitors per year."
— World Heritage Site
"Do Not Travel to Iraq"
"We advise do not travel to Iraq due to the volatile security situation, threat of terrorist attack, armed conflict, kidnapping and violent crime."
— Australian Government Travel Advice (Smartraveller)
Frequently Asked Questions about Ashur
When will it be safe to visit Ashur?
There is no clear timeline. It depends on the complete stabilization of the security situation in Salah al-Din Governorate, demining efforts, and the assessment of damages and rehabilitation of the site. This could take many years.
Are there safe alternatives to see Assyrian architecture?
Yes. The best place to safely see Assyrian art and architecture is the Iraq Museum in Baghdad, which has entire halls dedicated to Assyrian antiquities. You can also visit the restored gates of Nineveh in Mosul, where the security situation is much better.
Is archaeological work ongoing at the site?
Yes, some archaeological missions (like the German mission) have returned to work in parts of the site, but this is done under strict security measures and for research purposes only, not for tourism.
Where exactly is Ashur located?
It is located on the west bank of the Tigris River, near the town of al-Shirqat, about 280 km northwest of Baghdad.
Your safety is the highest priority. One day, we hope that Ashur will return to being a historical beacon welcoming visitors from all over the world. But until then, our appreciation for it must remain from a distance, through books and museums.
Gallery
