Kurdistan: Erbil Citadel

Erbil citadel is a large mound in the very center of Erbil. The evidence of people living here goes back to the 5th century BC, making this place one of the oldest continually occupied places in the world! It was a major center of Assyrian, Christian, Mongol, and Ottawan civilization throughout the centuries. Many of the old building were destroyed in the last 100 years however they are now being actively restored. The fortress-like buildings form a circle on top of the mount – it really sits high above the city overlooking Erbil in all directions. The citadel became the UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014 and is now being very actively restored as the main tourist attraction in Kurdistan. There are several museums inside already open – the kurdish hat museum, carpets, and some antique stores and cafes.
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