Defensive Fortifications in the Town of Balad (Aski Mosul) during Islamic Ages

Abstract

The town of Balad is among the main towns. It had played its role since early dates. And for its importance, it had been a scene of events in the region. The area was open from all sides just like the other towns of Iraq. So for the sake of maintaining security, which will consequently affect the political, economic and social aspects of life, the location of the town was subject to various factors which apply to the town of Balad. The choice of location had been affected by different factors such as natural factors which were maximized by the architect in the designing of the town in addition to other fortifications usually installed in towns such as digging trenches around the town, building walls and castles along with attached facilities. There are two reasons behind selecting this place: the importance of the town and its historical position among other Islamic towns that prospered during the Islamic ages in different aspects like architecture which was evident in the fortification of the town as well as exploiting the natural causes such as the river Tigris, Almur Valley and the elevation of the Castle. It is also one of the aims of the study to shed light on the major defensive installations in the town and the elements they contain that played an effective role in the fortification of the town.