Kurdistan is, at certain times of the year, a land of rugged beauty, characterised by mountains, ravines, waterfalls and natural water springs. It has long been famed in Middle Eastern literature as a paradise on earth, owing to its plentiful scenes of natural beauty which are in such contrast to the somewhat arid scenes so prominent in surrounding areas. However, don't expect particularly beautiful landscapes in the dry summer.
Hawler Citadel: There is a 4,000 year old castle right in the middle of the Kurdistan regional Capital, Hawler (also known as Erbil). Hawler is one of the world's contenders for the most ancient continuously inhabited city, having a history stretching back to the days of ancient Babylon. The site of the famous battle between Alexander the Great and King Darius, is also a short drive from Arbil city and can be fascinating for history buffs. Nowadays, the citadel (controlled officially by the Peshmerga - Kurdistan military) continues to be the main attraction, along with some slightly confusing souks beneath. The city is expanding in all directions, with the recent development of a huge shopping mall.
Parastaga Zardasht: A recently discovered ancient Zoroastrian/Mithradate temple in Duhok province.
Chemi Rezan: The famous caves in which the earliest human ceremonial burial site was discovered by german archeologists. The area is now carefully protected, however access is still possible.
sulaimanya is center of education and culture in kurdistan www.kurd-pc.com
Kirkuk citadel: The ancient citadel of the city of Kirkuk, another millenia old monument. - Note that Kirkuk is not considerd safe at present.
Haj Omaran: A ski resort in the north of Hawler province.
Gali Ali Bag: The highest waterfall in the middle east.
Bexal: Another beautiful waterfall.
Jinokan: Yet another waterfall.
Zakho bridge: The oldest example of a open arch brdge in the middle east, dating back to Abbasid times.
Dokan lake: A large lake laying at an altitude of 900m.
Numerous religous sites: Especially of the Judeo-christian faiths, such as the tomb of the prophet Daniel in Kirkuk province, the 9th century St. Thomas monastery and Jewlakan, Jewish quarter of Silamani, with its numerous newly renovated synagogues.
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Iraqi Kurdistan - updated Apr 2024
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Iraqi Kurdistan Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
