As Turkish forces embark upon a massive offensive into Kurdish-controlled Northeast Syria, memories of my trip to Iraqi Kurdistan are in the front of my mind.
>Part I: A Day Trip To Iraq
If I showed you these pictures below, would you ever guess they were from Iraq? Keep in mind this was during the Iraq War. Women and children were running around. Men were laughing as they drank coffee on the street. Street vendors hawked food while a beautiful clock tower chimed at the top of the hour.
I felt very safe in Erbil. So safe, in fact, I walked from the city center back to the airport alone late at night. Today, I’ll focus on some of he historical sites I visited.
Jumping into the taxi, I headed into town, which turned out to be a very short distance away.
The most prominent feature of Erbil is the Citadel, an ancient fortress dating back to the 10th Century BC (so over 3,000 years). It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a striking reminder of endurance. Like much of the region, the history of Erbil is one of conquest by a long list of empires over time. But as occupiers have changed, the Citadel has remained.
Beside the Citadel was a statue of Ibn al-Mustawfi, a Kurdish historian who lived from 1169-1239.
Walking through the town square you would really never know that you were in Iraq. You could just as easily be in a European city.
Retailers dotted the city center, with tailors, eateries, spice merchants, grocers, and even a little mall.
As the sun began to set, I made my way to Minare Park, which includes the Mudhafaria Minaret. That dates back to 1190, over 800 years old.
The park included an eclectic mix of fountains, courtyards, greenery, and even gondolas.
After about an hour, I headed back into town to find somewhere to eat dinner and get a haircut.
Tomorrow, I’ll wrap up this report with reflections on some of the conversations I had during my visit…the true reason I am publishing this report now for the first time.
People let’s not make this into a political post by adding political comments.
No one wants to hear how you think trump is a shi%^%g and scum. Or he is a turncoat selling of his allies for money in Turkey. Or how you think the ass%”^hole deserves to get a heart attack and live rest of his life like a vegetable. Save us your political rant in the comments. No one cares.
This is a great travel post. Leave it at that.
Let’s wait until tomorrow’s Part III conclusion, which will be a political post.
Why don’t you mention the Kurds stealing from Christian’s their homes and belonging then refused to give the Christia in the North. You forgot that they are Muslims and IRAQ AND THE NORTH BELONGS TO Assyrians
Kurds refused to give Christian’s in the North food. Talk to Assyrians who fled from them. As Christ is my witness they are not good also they are muslims why lie and make them look good
Very odd comment as Christians only exist in Erbil mostly in kurdish area…we never had a problem even in remote areas where populated with tribes like Shaqlawa, Soran or Diyana, Harir …
Your comment is far from a reality .yes Christians been forced out from Mosul, Baghdad and other part they all lived in Erbil-Kurdistan.
Your comment is very upsetting as it is nothing only untrue …and offensive to a nice relation we have between Muslims & Christians in Kurdistan…,
Rubbish … and a clear lie … Kurds are the most genuine and generous nation on earth … no stabbing and no false pretence… we give food to dogs .. and might as well give to humans … stop accusing and accusing world leaders with false actions
These kinds of trip reports are the reason why I love your blog Matthew!
Absolutely fascinating.
Trump is a shi%^%g and scum. He is a turncoat selling of his allies for money in Turkey. However, I don’t think the ass%”^hole deserves to get a heart attack (no one deserves that) and live rest of his life like a vegetable, although in mental capacity he’s pretty close to that.
“I felt very safe in Erbil. So safe, in fact, I walked from the city center back to the airport alone late at night. Today, I’ll focus on some of he historical sites I visited.”
I certainly feel safer walking around cities in the “dangerous neighborhood” of the Middle East at night — Amman, Cairo, Beirut, Istanbul, etc. — at night than I do most U.S. cities at night.
I don’t feels safe going out to groceries at night and I’m living in U.S……
Everyday local news was freaking me out.
I been to Kurdistan and I feels safe.
These posts are fantastic for the intrepid traveler. It is fascinating to get a first hand glimpse into a city like Erbil. The post is timely since it is an area in the news and your insights certainly bring it to life. This blog is unique because of your travel is not just about business class seats and fine hotels. It is about getting into the world and seeing as much as you can, while you can. Terrific!
Great post. Curious, how was the nightlife?
Among the best in the region, I’m sure…