The Great Mosque of Samarra, located in Samarra, Iraq, is an iconic example of early Islamic architecture. Constructed in the 9th century during the Abbasid Caliphate under the reign of Caliph Al-Mutawakkil, it was once the largest mosque in the world. One of its most distinctive features is the Malwiya Tower, a spiraling minaret that rises approximately 52 meters (170 feet) high. The mosque's vast courtyard and thick brick walls, adorned with intricate stucco decorations, reflect the grandeur and architectural innovation of the period.
The Al-Askari Shrine, located in Samarra, Iraq, is one of the most significant religious sites for Shia Muslims. It houses the tombs of the tenth and eleventh Shia Imams, Ali al-Hadi and Hasan al-Askari. The shrine is also renowned for its golden dome, which was an iconic feature until it was heavily damaged by bombings in 2006 and 2007. These attacks not only destroyed the dome but also caused extensive damage to the entire structure. The shrine has since been the focus of reconstruction efforts aimed at restoring its former glory.
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