Aqarquf Ziggurat زقورة عقرقوف
The Kassite ziggurat of Dur-Kurigalzu, about 30 km west of Baghdad.
The ziggurat of Dur-Kurigalzu, a city founded by the Kassite king Kurigalzu about 30 km west of central Baghdad. Its core of mud brick and reed layers still rises high above the plain.
Dur-Kurigalzu was founded around the 14th century BC by the Kassite king Kurigalzu as a new royal city. Its ziggurat was built of mud brick, with layers of reed matting and bitumen laid between the courses to hold it together. You can still see these reed layers in the eroded core today.
The lower part of the ziggurat was partly rebuilt in modern times, while the original core still towers over the flat plain. It is one of the most impressive ancient monuments near Baghdad and an easy half-day trip from the capital, often combined with the city tour.
Visit with our tour: Baghdad & Aqarquf Ziggurat →
Questions & answers
Where is Aqarquf Ziggurat?
Aqarquf Ziggurat is in Baghdad, Baghdad Governorate, Iraq. The map on this page shows its location.
How can I visit Aqarquf Ziggurat?
Aqarquf Ziggurat is included in our Baghdad & Aqarquf Ziggurat tour (1 day). You can book it on WhatsApp, and we arrange the guide, transport and any permissions.
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More sites in Baghdad
Al-Mutanabbi Street
Baghdad’s famous book street, busiest on Friday mornings, between the old souqs and the Tigris.
Iraq Museum
Iraq’s national museum, with treasures from Sumer, Babylon and Assyria to the Islamic era.
Al-Mustansiriya School
A 13th-century Abbasid college beside the old souqs, one of the oldest surviving university buildings.
Al-Kadhimiya Shrine
The golden-domed shrine of Imam Musa al-Kadhim and Imam Muhammad al-Jawad in north Baghdad.