Iraq welcomes tourists to explore the ancient ruins of Hatra

The Unesco World Heritage Site features monuments and statues that have been restored after destruction wrought by ISIS

Tourists visit the ancient city of Hatra in northern Iraq. All photos: AFP

The ancient city was destroyed by ISIS in 2015.

A group of tourists visit the ancient city of Hatra in northern Iraq on September 10, 2022, as local authority initiatives seek to encourage tourism and turn the page on the years of violence by the Islamic State IS group. - Five years after the defeat IS, Mosul and its surroundings are regaining some semblance of normality, even if reconstruction is slow and the cities still show the scars of the destructive fighting that drove out the jihadists. (Photo by Zaid AL-OBEIDI / AFP)

The city is Unesco-listed and was once famed for its cultural diversity.

Five years after the defeat of ISIS, Mosul and its surroundings are regaining some semblance of normality with the first tourists visiting Hatra.

A tourist explores the ancient city of Hatra in northern Iraq.

At its peak, Hatra covered an area of 299 hectares and sat at the crossroads of major trade routes between the Roman and Parthian Empires.

Officials say nearly 15 per cent of the city was destroyed during the conflict with ISIS.

Iraq's ancient city of Hatra has welcomed its first tourists since restoration works at the site were unveiled in February.

About 40 visitors explored the 2,000-year-old city in northern Iraq on Saturday.

The trip was organised by local authorities as part of efforts to encourage tourism to the region, which was partially destroyed by ISIS during years of fighting.

Unesco-listed since 1985, the fortified city is nearly 300 kilometres from Baghdad and about 100 kilometres from Mosul.

A group of tourists visit the ancient city of Hatra in northern Iraq on September 10, 2022. AFP

Once famed for its cultural diversity, Hatra was an important Arab sanctuary and is famed for its ancient ruins. At its peak, it covered an area of 299 hectares and sat at the crossroads of major trading routes between the Roman and the Parthian Empires.

In 2015, the area came under ISIS occupation and many of its artefacts were targeted by militants.

ISIS previously released a video showing the destruction of several works of Hatrene art. Shortly after, the site was added to the Unesco World Heritage in Danger list.

Officials say nearly 15 per cent of the city was destroyed during the conflict.

In February, three restorations at Hatra were unveiled including a Roman-style statue of a life-sized figure and a relief on the side of the Great Temple.

What can tourists see at Hatra

Packed with archaeological sites, Hatra will captivate history buffs. The remains of the city attest to its importance and there are several sites worth seeing.

The Temple of Maran

The Temple of Maran at Hatra, Iraq. AFP

In the eastern section of the holy precinct of the city, the Temple of Maran has a long cella and is accessed via a flight of stairs. Beautifully decorated, it is also referred to as the Hellenistic temple thanks to the use of design elements familiar in styles across the Mediterranean and Middle East.

Great Iwans Complex

The Great Iwans Complex is famed for its Parthian archaeological features. AFP

The Great Iwans Complex is one of the most impressive sites at Hatra. Consisting of two iwans, each flanked by two smaller halls and a Square Temple, it is famed for its Parthian features and domed arches. Several inscriptions found inside the building have allowed archaeologists to date this southern section of Hatra to the beginning of the second century.

The Temple of Allat

The Temple of Allat dates to the second half of the second century. AFP

Epigraphic information suggests that the Temple of Allat was built in the second half of the second century. It is believed to have been ordered by King Sanatruq I, the first king of Hatra, and his son Prince Abdsadmiya. The remains of statues representing both of the royals can be seen on the back wall.

Iraq's ancient city of Hatra reopens — in pictures