Uruk (Warka) الوركاء
The Sumerian city of Gilgamesh, where some of the earliest writing in the world was found.
A vast mud-brick city linked to the beginnings of writing and to Gilgamesh, the hero of the world’s oldest epic.
Uruk was one of the first true cities in history, reaching its height in the 4th millennium BC. Clay tablets found here are among the earliest examples of writing, and its legendary king Gilgamesh is the hero of the world’s oldest epic, which tells of Uruk’s great walls.
Today the site, known as Warka, spreads over a wide desert area with the remains of the Eanna temple district, the ziggurat of the sky god Anu and traces of the ancient walls. It lies in Al-Muthanna province, north-west of Ur, and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “The Ahwar of Southern Iraq”.
Visit with our tour: Historical & Cultural Tour of Iraq →
Questions & answers
Where is Uruk (Warka)?
Uruk (Warka) is in Nasiriyah & Ur, Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. The map on this page shows its location.
How can I visit Uruk (Warka)?
Uruk (Warka) is included in our Historical & Cultural Tour of Iraq tour (10 days / 9 nights). You can book it on WhatsApp, and we arrange the guide, transport and any permissions.