Shafaqna English- Iraq ranked ninth among Arab countries for the number of UNESCO World Heritage in 2025.
Often described as the heartland of Mesopotamia, Iraq is home to some of humanity’s earliest cities, legal systems, and cultural traditions.
UNESCO inscription provides international recognition and places these sites under formal preservation frameworks. Holding five cultural and one mixed cultural and natural sites:
Hatra (Nineveh Province)
Standing today as one of Iraq’s most rigorously protected heritage sites, Hatra remains recognized by UNESCO for its exceptional architectural and cultural value. Although it sustained damage during past conflicts, much of its monumental urban fabric still survives.
Ashur/ Qalaat Sharqat (Saladin Province)
At Ashur, protection efforts focus on safeguarding an exceptionally authentic archaeological landscape that still preserves its core features.
Samarra Archaeological City (Saladin)
In Samarra, the Abbasid capital’s vast historic footprint is still clearly legible, from the Malwiya Minaret to its major mosque and palace complexes. Despite periods of instability and limited access, its defining features remain in place.
Erbil Citadel (Kurdistan Region)
At the center of Erbil, the citadel presents itself as an actively revitalized urban heritage landmark rather than a dormant relic.
Sources: Shafaq News