Samarra etymology

Etymology and Meaning

The name "Samarra" is derived from the Arabic word "samara", which means "night watch".

Origin

Samarra was founded in 836 CE by the Abbasid caliph Al-Mu'tasim as the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate. It was chosen as the new seat of power debido its strategic location on the Tigris River and its proximity to Baghdad, the previous capital.

Historical Background

Samarra served as the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate for about 50 years, from 836 to 892 CE. During this period, it was a thriving metropolis and a center of Islamic culture and learning. However, its importance declined after the capital was moved back to Baghdad in 892 CE.

Archaeological Importance

Samarra is known for its well-preserved archaeological remains, which include:

  • The Great Mosque of Samarra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world
  • The Malwiya Minaret, a towering spiral minaret that is a prominent landmark
  • Numerous palaces, houses, and other buildings that provide insights into the architectural and social life of the Abbasid period

Samarra relate terms

  • euphemism

    Etymology Euphemism derives from the Greek words eu good and phemi speak Mean

  • breach

    Etymology Old French breche from Late Latin brecha from Celtic of unknown origin M

  • clean

    Etymology The word clean comes from the Middle English word clene which is derived f

  • restaurant

    Etymology The word restaurant comes from the French verb restaurer which means to

  • perpendicular

    Etymology and Meaning The word perpendicular comes from the Latin words per through

  • offend

    Etymology The word offend originated from the Latin word offendere which means to s

  • profile

    Etymology The word profile comes from the Italian word profilo which in turn is der

  • irony

    Etymology Derived from Late Latin irōnĭa from Greek εἰρωνεία eirōneía

  • hectic

    Etymology The word hectic comes from the Greek word hektikos which means habitual

  • staff

    Etymology The word staff comes from the Old English word stæf which meant a stick