1Al-Ukhaidir Fortress – Iraq (circa 775 AD)
This large rectangular fortress near Karbala was built during the Abbasid Caliphate and is a striking example of early Islamic architecture. Al-Ukhaidir served as a military and trading hub along caravan routes. Its thick walls, semicircular towers, and massive halls were designed to protect from invaders while serving as a base of operations for merchants and troops. The structure remains largely intact, offering a rare look at Abbasid military planning.
