Once Mansur had agreed the site, it was time to embark on the design. Again we are told that this was entirely the caliph’s work. Under strict supervision he had workers trace the plans of his round city on the ground in lines of cinders. The perfect circle was a tribute to the geometric teachings of Euclid, whom he had studied and admired. He then walked through this ground-level plan, indicated his approval and ordered cotton balls soaked in naphtha (liquid petroleum) to be placed along the outlines and set alight to mark the position of the massively fortified double outer walls.
n 1958, the monarchy was overthrown in a military coup known as the 14 July Revolution, led by General Abdul Karim Qasim. This marked the end of the Hashemite monarchy and the establishment of the Iraqi Republic. Qasim introduced land reforms, expanded education, and promoted industrial development. He also attempted to reduce the influence of tribal leaders and foreign powers. Qasim sought to balance the interests of Iraq’s diverse population, including Kurds, Arabs, and minorities, though tensions persisted.
