Iraqi KurdistanRegions & Cities
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Erbil
Erbil’s hilltop citadel watches a bustling Kurdish bazaar below; Friday crowds haggle for carpets, honey, and spices.
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Sulaymaniyah
In Sulaymaniyah, bookshops, cafés, and a tidy park scene contrast with surrounding Zagros foothills.
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Duhok
Set against Kurdistan’s foothills, Duhok attracts visitors for mountain trails, the reservoir and regional bazaars where Kurdish breads and smoked meats are sold.
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Soran
High valleys and Kurdish bazaars surround Soran, a launch point for hikes into nearby mountains.
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Citadel of Erbil
An ancient mound in Erbil’s old city with Ottoman and earlier layers, the Citadel contains restored houses, a local museum and panoramic views over the Kurdish capital.
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Sulaymaniyah Museum
Sulaymaniyah Museum in Iraqi Kurdistan houses regional archaeology, Kurdish ethnography and Mesopotamian artifacts.
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Amna Suraka
Former prison in Sulaymaniyah transformed into a museum documenting abuses under Saddam’s regime; visitors come for exhibits on Kurdish history and recent regional conflicts.
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Lalish
Yazidi holy valley in Duhok Governorate, Lalish contains the tomb of Sheikh Adi and a compact temple complex.
Iraqi Kurdistan at a Glance
Local Time
2:50 AM
GMT+3
Population
4,299,300
Best Things to Do in Iraqi Kurdistan
Archaeological Site
Citadel of Erbil
Ancient fortified mound at Erbil's historic core
Cave
Shanidar Cave
Paleolithic archaeological cave with Neanderthal remains
Archaeological Site
Jarmo
Prehistoric Neolithic settlement site with early agriculture evidence
Mountain
Cheekha Dar
Border mountain, Iraq's highest peak with steep slopes
Stadium
Franso Hariri Stadium
Large multiuse stadium in Erbil hosting sports events
Lake
Lake Dukan
Reservoir in Iraqi Kurdistan created by Dukan Dam
Museum
Sulaymaniyah Museum
Iraqi museum displaying Kurdish and Mesopotamian antiquities
Bridge
Delal Bridge
Historic stone bridge and cultural landmark in Duhok
Stadium
Duhok Stadium
Multiuse stadium hosting football matches in Duhok
Archaeological Site
Qalatga Darband
Archaeological site with Hellenistic and Parthian remains
Church
Cathedral of Saint Joseph, Ankawa
Assyrian Catholic cathedral in Ankawa suburb of Erbil
Mosque
Jalil Khayat Mosque
Large modern mosque and community landmark in Erbil