Encyclopaedia of Cryptozoology
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Ishtar Gate dragon
Ishtargate
Category
Proposed scientific names
Other names Sirrush
Country reported Iraq
First reported 1902
Prominent investigators Willy Ley

Bernard Heuvelmans


The Ishtar Gate dragon or sirrush is a possible animal depicted on the Ishtar Gate in what is now Iraq. Several cryptozoological theories have been put forth as to the identity of the animal depicted.[1]

Theories[]

Dinosaur[]

Bernard Heuvelmans reasoned that the sirrush was a real animal because it was depicted on the gate interspersed with other real animals like bulls. He believed that the animal was a possible depiction of an ornithopod by someone who had heard stories from someone who had traveled in the region, as the depiction was more stylized than accurate. He connected it to other cryptids in central Africa like the Mokele-mbembe, Badigui, and Isiququmadevu.[1]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Heuvelmans, Bernard (1955) On the Track of Unknown Animals, Routledge, ISBN 978-1138977525
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