Al-Askari Shrine

The Al-Askari Shrine in Samarra is a major Shia sanctuary and the burial site of the tenth and eleventh Shia Imams, Ali al-Hadi and Hasan al-Askari. The complex has long been an important pilgrimage destination and a historic landmark in Samarra.

The site comprises a central mausoleum area, prayer halls and surrounding courtyards; historically it was noted for gilded decoration and minarets. Much of the visible complex today reflects repairs and restorations following damage in the early 21st century.

As an active religious site, the shrine attracts pilgrims and visitors; some areas may be restricted during religious events or for security reasons. Interpretation typically focuses on the site’s religious significance and its architectural evolution.

The shrine developed over many centuries around the burial places of the Imams and was embellished by successive rulers and patrons. In the early 2000s parts of the complex were damaged by attacks and have since been the subject of reconstruction and conservation efforts.

The shrine lies in the city of Samarra on the Tigris River in Iraq, north of Baghdad and within the broader Samarra archaeological and urban area.

• Security advisory: Security and access to the site have varied in recent years; visitors should check current conditions and local guidance before travel.

What to See#

• Shrine Precinct: The main shrine precinct containing the tombs of important Shia figures and associated prayer halls and courtyards.
• Ancillary Structures: Surrounding support buildings and access routes that historically formed part of a larger religious complex in Samarra.

• Check current access and security requirements before planning your trip and arrange a guided visit - Samarra's shrine and the surrounding archaeological zone are subject to checkpoints and occasional restrictions.
• Visit outside major Shia pilgrimage dates to avoid heavy crowds and to gain calmer access to the mosque precincts and the restored sanctuary areas.
• Combine the shrine visit with the nearby archaeological sites (including the spiral minaret of the Great Mosque of Samarra) - many visitors miss the wider context of Samarra's Abbasid and earlier monuments.