Xanzad Castle

Xanzad Castle, also known as Banaman Castle, is a prominent medieval fortress located approximately 22 kilometers east of Erbil in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Situated atop a hill along the Erbil-Shaqlawa Road, this historic structure was commissioned in the late 16th century by Mir Xanzad, the renowned female ruler of the Soran Emirate. Named after its founder, the castle originally served as both a royal residence and a strategic defensive outpost to protect Erbil, which functioned as the capital of her emirate at the time. The building stands 40 meters high and comprises two distinct floors, constructed primarily from stone and gypsum materials that have allowed it to endure through the centuries.

Architecturally, the castle is notable for retaining much of its original shape and structural integrity, a rarity among regional fortifications from the same era. While local historian Amanj Adil notes that many other castles built by Mir Xanzad across Kurdistan have been destroyed over time, Xanzad Castle remains in good condition today. It is widely considered one of the most significant archaeological and historical sites in the region, offering tangible evidence of Kurdish sovereignty and leadership history. The site continues to hold deep cultural meaning for the local population, with many residents viewing it as a symbol of national pride and historical identity.

Currently recognized as a complete structure, the castle serves as an important landmark for visitors and historians alike. Its preservation provides a unique glimpse into the military and domestic architecture of the Soran Emirate period. Beyond its physical attributes, the legacy of Xanzad Castle extends into the collective memory of the Kurdish people, representing a time when the region operated as a distinct political entity under strong local leadership. Today, it stands not only as a monument to Mir Xanzad's power but also as an enduring testament to the rich heritage of Iraqi Kurdistan.