Erbil, Iraq
Region: Erbil
Geographic Coordinates: 36.191200, 44.009200
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 40.0°C (50°F to 104°F)
Climate: Erbil, Iraq has a dry and hot climate with very little rainfall throughout the year. Summers are extremely hot with temperatures reaching up to 48°C (118°F) and winters are mild with occasional rain and temperatures averaging around 9°C (48°F).
Population: 846000
Language: Kurdish
Erbil, Also known as Hawler, Is the capital city of the Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world with a rich history dating back to 2300 BC. Erbil has been ruled by various empires throughout its history such as Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Arabs and Ottomans. The city sits on a plateau at an altitude of 440 meters above sea level and is surrounded by mountains. Erbil’s climate is mostly dry with hot summers and mild winters.
The population of Erbil is around 1 million people consisting of Kurds, Arabs, Assyrians and other ethnic groups. One of the most popular landmarks in Erbil is the historic Citadel which dates back to at least 5000 years ago. The Citadel was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2014 for its outstanding universal value as an example of an ancient fortified settlement that has survived over millennia due to continuous human habitation.
Sami Abdulrahman Park is another attraction located atop a hill that offers stunning views over the city covering an area more than 100 hectares featuring gardens with various plants and flowers along with recreational facilities such as playgrounds for children, Restaurants serving traditional Kurdish food and cafes offering panoramic views. For shopping enthusiasts visiting Erbil there are several markets where visitors can find everything from traditional handicrafts to modern clothing brands including Bazaar which sells everything from spices and textiles to gold jewelry.
Erbil also boasts several museums that offer insight into Kurdish culture and history including Kurdistan Museum showcasing artifacts from prehistoric times up until present day Kurdistan Region while Textile Museum displays traditional Kurdish clothing along with weaving techniques used by local artisans. In recent years Erbil has become a hub for international business due to its strategic location and growing economy having a modern airport with regular flights connecting major cities across Middle East & Europe making it important gateway for trade and tourism.
Overall, Erbil is a fascinating city that offers visitors a unique blend of ancient history, Modern amenities, Vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty. It is definitely worth exploring for anyone interested in discovering the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East while experiencing the warmth and hospitality of Kurdish people.
- Citadel of Erbil
- Sami Abdul Rahman Park
- Jalil Khayat Mosque
- Mudhafaria Minaret
- Shanidar Park
- Syriac Heritage Museum
- Erbil Bazaar
- Kurdish Textile Museum
- Qaysari Bazaar
- Kurdistan Textile Museum and Heritage House
- Oil and Gas: Erbil is situated in the Kurdistan region of Iraq which boasts significant oil reserves. Many international oil companies operate in the area.
- Construction: The city is undergoing rapid growth and development, leading to a high demand for construction services.
- Retail: The retail sector in Erbil is thriving, with numerous shopping malls, supermarkets, and markets selling a wide range of goods.
- Hospitality: As an important tourist destination in Iraq, Erbil has many hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars catering to visitors.
- Agriculture: The fertile lands surrounding Erbil are ideal for agriculture with crops such as wheat, barley, fruits, vegetables grown here.
- Healthcare: Due to its increasing population and economic development there’s a growing demand for healthcare services within the city.
- Education: Several universities and educational institutions provide education at various levels including primary schools up to higher education institutes like universities.
- IT/Technology Services: With advancements in technology worldwide there are emerging opportunities for IT service providers operating from this region too.
- Trade & Commerce: Being located at crossroads between Turkey, Iran & Syria, it serves as gateway to these countries thus promoting trade & commerce activities too.
- The city of Erbil was founded in the 23rd century BC and has been continuously inhabited since then.
- Erbil was part of the Assyrian Empire and later became an important center for Christianity.
- In the 7th century AD, the city was conquered by Muslim armies during the Islamic conquests.
- During the medieval period, Erbil was ruled by various Kurdish dynasties, including the Marwanids and Ayyubids.
- The city played an important role in Kurdish resistance against Ottoman rule in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- In recent years, Erbil has been a key location in Iraq’s ongoing conflict with ISIS.
- Notable people associated with Erbil include Kurdish poet Ahmad Khani; Iraqi politician Jalal Talabani; and journalist Shifa Gardi who died while reporting on fighting between Iraqi forces and ISIS in Mosul in 2017.
- Citadel of Erbil: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Citadel is a historic fortress and the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the world.
- Kurdish Textile Museum: This museum showcases traditional Kurdish textiles and clothing, including woven carpets, embroidery, and other handcrafted items.
- Kurdistan Museum: The museum provides an insight into Kurdish history, culture, and traditions through its collection of artifacts, documents, and multimedia exhibits.
- Sami Abdulrahman Park: A beautiful park with a lake, gardens, and walking trails that offer a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle-bustle.
- Shanidar Park: Located just outside Erbil, this park has stunning views of the surrounding mountains as well as hiking trails.
- Erbil Civilization Museum: This museum houses an impressive collection of ancient artifacts from Mesopotamia dating back to 5000 BC.
- Jalil Khayat Mosque: One of the largest mosques in Iraq with beautiful architecture that combines traditional Islamic design with modern elements.
- Minaret Park: This park features several ancient minarets from different periods in history that have been preserved for visitors to see up close.
- Chavy Land Amusement Park: A fun-filled amusement park for families with rides, games and attractions for all ages.
- Shanidar Cave: An archaeological site located about 160 km northwest of Erbil where Neanderthal remains were discovered in 1957 by archaeologist Ralph Solecki.
- 1. Erbil SC: Established in 1974, Erbil SC is one of Iraq’s oldest football clubs. The team has won several domestic titles over the years and participated in numerous international competitions.
- 2. Zakho FC: Zakho FC is another prominent football club based in Erbil that was founded in 1987. The team has a loyal fan base across Kurdistan.
- 3. Falcons Basketball Club: Falcons BC is a professional basketball team that competes in the Iraqi Basketball League (IBL). The team was established back in 2006 and has won multiple championships since then.
- 4. Kurdish Taekwondo Team: Representing Kurdistan at various national and international tournaments is the Kurdish Taekwondo Team which has produced several world-class athletes over time.
- 5. Nawroz Volleyball Club: Nawroz VC is a women’s volleyball club founded by female athletes from different parts of Kurdistan to promote women’s empowerment through sports.
- Erbil International Film Festival
- Newroz (Kurdish New Year) Festival
- Erbil Citadel Festival
- Ramadan Nights Market
- Kurdish Music and Dance Festival
- International Women’s Day Celebration
- Independence Day Celebrations (October 3rd)
- Erbil Book Fair
- Christmas and Easter Celebrations in Christian neighborhoods
- Erbil Food Festival
- Masgouf Al-Mansour: A restaurant that specializes in Iraqi-style grilled fish.
- Shawarma Bakdash: A popular fast-food chain that serves shawarma and other Middle Eastern dishes.
- Abu Shaker Restaurant: A traditional Iraqi restaurant that serves a variety of kebabs, stews, and rice dishes.
- Dawa Khana: A vegetarian restaurant that offers a range of healthy and delicious dishes made from fresh ingredients.
- Kebabchi Restaurant: Another traditional Iraqi restaurant famous for its kebabs, rice dishes, and salads.
- Bazaar Restaurant: An upscale restaurant located in the heart of Erbil’s bazaar area that offers a fusion of Kurdish, Arabic, and international cuisines.
- Cafe Vienna: A cozy cafe known for its coffee drinks, pastries, sandwiches, and salads.
- Zozik Bakery & Sweets Shop: A bakery that specializes in traditional Kurdish pastries such as baklava or kadeh rolls filled with nuts or cheese curdled yogurt called kashkawan cheese topped with honey syrup or pistachios.
- Chimney Cake Factory – Kürtőskalács : An authentic Hungarian pastry shop offering sweet chimney cakes (kürtőskalács) filled with Nutella or ice cream toppings.
- Sami Abdulrahman Park is the largest public park in Erbil, with a lake, playgrounds, walking paths, and sports facilities.
- Shanidar Park has a large green space with picnic areas and playgrounds.
- Chavi Land is a family-friendly amusement park with rides and games for all ages.
- Erbil Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.
- Kurdish Textile Museum is dedicated to traditional Kurdish textiles and handicrafts.
- Azadi Park is popular for jogging or picnicking, featuring an outdoor amphitheater for concerts and events.
- Family Mall Erbil is a shopping mall with an indoor ice-skating rink, bowling alley, cinema complex, and arcade games.
- Dream City Waterpark is an expansive waterpark featuring slides, pools, lazy rivers, and other aquatic attractions.
- Gali Ali Bag Park located in the heart of downtown Erbil provides shaded seating areas surrounded by lush greenery.
- Bazaar of Erbil (Qaysari) is a bustling market filled with traditional handicrafts such as pottery items made by artisans from nearby villages.
