Kanzad Castle: A Kurdish Fortress in Iraq

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Country: Iraq

Civilization: Unclassified

Remains: Military

History

Kanzad Castle is situated in the municipality of Banaman, within modern-day Iraq. It was constructed by the Kurdish civilization during the later part of the 16th century. This fortress owes its origin to Mir Xanzad, a notable female leader of the Kurdish Soran Emirate, who commissioned the castle as both her residence and a military stronghold.

The castle’s construction represented a significant phase in the history of the Kurdish emirate, serving to protect Erbil, the capital city under Mir Xanzad’s rule. She gave the fortress her own name, linking the stronghold closely with her authority and leadership. The location, positioned roughly 22 kilometers east of Erbil on a hill between two mountains, provided a strategic vantage point crucial for defense and regional control.

Over the centuries, Kanzad Castle has stood as a rare surviving example of the many fortifications that Mir Xanzad built across Kurdistan. While most of her other castles have not withstood the test of time, Kanzad remains remarkably well preserved. In modern history, recognizing its cultural and historical importance, local authorities formally registered the castle as a heritage site in 2007, ensuring official protection and acknowledgment of its role in Kurdish history.

Among Kurdish communities, Kanzad Castle holds a special place, representing a tangible link to their past sovereignty and cultural pride. It is often regarded as evidence of historical Kurdish autonomy and continues to inspire a sense of identity and perseverance among the people.

Remains

Kanzad Castle presents a well-preserved example of late 16th-century Kurdish fortress architecture. Built primarily from stone and gypsum, the materials have contributed greatly to its endurance, allowing much of the original structure to remain intact. The fortress rises to a height of approximately 40 meters and consists of two main floors, reflecting a dual-purpose design that combines the functions of a citadel with living quarters suitable for winter habitation.

The castle’s layout includes four bastion-shaped towers, rounded defensive structures projecting from the main walls that enhanced the castle’s capacity to resist attacks. These features underscore the fortress’s strategic design, created to safeguard the area and monitor the road connecting Erbil and Shaqlawa, which passes near the site.

Its position atop a hill between Pir Mam Mountain and Kanzad Mountain offered commanding views over the surrounding terrain, reinforcing its role as a defensive lookout. The fortress’s state of preservation is notable when compared to other castles from the same era, maintaining much of its architectural integrity without major alterations or stages of ruin.

Local historians have emphasized the castle’s importance as both a historical monument and an archaeological site, praising its survival and the insights it provides into Kurdish fortification practices during Mir Xanzad’s reign. This stronghold thus remains an important physical testament to the region’s medieval history.