Erbil - Iraqi Kurdistan

In a step that reflects the unique cultural status of Iraqi Kurdistan, the Erbil Antiquities and Heritage Directorate announced an unprecedented achievement represented by the official registration and survey of more than 2,000 archaeological sites throughout the governorate, in cooperation with the American Harvard University, while 14 international missions continue excavation and research work throughout the governorate, which is rich in its cultural heritage.

Historic hills reveal 7,000-year-old secrets

The Director of Erbil Antiquities and Heritage, Nader Babiker Muhammad, revealed that the city center of Erbil alone includes 12 archaeological hills that represented miniature cities in the past, the most prominent of which is the “Qanj Agha” hill. He pointed out that the recent discoveries included the “Kurd Qabristan” hill, which is the site of a major city mentioned in Babylonian writings and includes comprehensive urban evidence, along with other hills such as “Qasra, Ashkar, Bakhjan, and the Nader and Muhammad hills,” some of which examinations have proven to be more than 7,000 years old.

Shandar Cave and historical castles embrace civilization

As for Shandar Cave, which is estimated to be between 60 and 100 thousand years old, it represents one of the oldest archaeological sites in the region, along with historical castles such as Erbil Citadel, Khanzad, and Duin, which date back to the Atabeg era and the era of Sultan Saladin Al-Ayyubi, making Erbil an open museum of human history.

A documentation campaign to protect architectural heritage

In a related context, officials launched an extensive documentation campaign to protect more than 1,000 heritage houses and alleys in the city, to preserve its unique architectural style. Important discoveries were also recorded in the Bagluminara neighborhood, which included human remains and historical silver coins, adding a new dimension to understanding life in the region throughout the ages.

A wise policy to protect antiquities

The Director of Antiquities explained that 14 specialized foreign teams are currently working in Erbil to uncover the secrets of ancient civilizations, with a policy that prefers to keep incomplete antiquities underground to protect them from erosion factors until modern technologies are available, with the exception of sites located within the paths of strategic projects that are being excavated immediately, including joint field projects with Salah al-Din University on the path of 150 Metric Street.

Erbil is a cultural tourist destination par excellence

Thanks to these successive discoveries, Erbil is turning into an attractive cultural tourism destination for Arab and foreign tourists looking for a unique experience in Mesopotamian civilizations, especially with the availability of international infrastructure and hotels that make visiting these sites an integrated experience, awaited by the Arab tourism market, which is always looking for unconventional cultural and archaeological destinations.