Kurdistan

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Kurdistan refers to portions of Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria, however only the Iraqi region of Kurdistan is discussed here. See the articles on Turkey, Iran, and Syria for information regarding the other regions of Kurdistan.

[edit] Regions

Iraqi Kurdistan refers to the 4 Kurdish northern Iraqi Provinces, which are autonomous of the central Iraqi government and ruled by the Kurdistan Regional Government. These provinces achieved de facto independence after an uprising in 1991 and their autonomy has now been enshrined into the Iraqi federal constitution.

[edit] Cities

The major cities controlled by the KRG are:

[edit] Other destinations

Kurdistan is 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.

  • Arbil Citadel: A 4,000 year old castle right in the middle of the Kurdistan regional Capital Arbil. Arbil itself 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.
  • 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.
  • Kirkuk citadel: The ancient citadel of the city of Kirkuk, another millenia old monument.
  • Haj Omaran: A ski resort in the north of Silamaniya 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.

[edit] Understand

Having been spared the war of 2003, Kurdistan-Iraq is a very different place from southern Iraq. With a minimal level of terrorist activity and massive economic development, Kurdistan is fast becoming a "gateway to Iraq" with high levels of foreign investment and development of infrastructure.

[edit] Get in

A valid Iraqi (Kurdistan stamp) visa is required on arrival for all nationalities. Citizens of the EU, the US, Canada and Australia can purchase a visa on arrival ($10 US).

[edit] By plane

Kurdistan is subserved by 2 international airports:

[edit] By bus

Further advice on entry on these routes and other ones such as a land crossing from turkey can be found at:

[edit] Get around

[edit] By taxi

Taxis are relatively cheap ($1 US, for intracity travel) as are "coaster" buses ($0.2 US).

[edit] By plane

Air travel between Silamaniya and Hawler is available and cheap (around 100$ for a round trip), although this is only a 2 hour trip by road.

[edit] By train

The railway is not yet operational, although there are plans to refurbish this line which was once the final leg of the "orient express" railway.

[edit] Talk

Kurdish is the official language and most widely spoken, however higher learning institutes produce teenagers eager to practise their foreign language "skills" in many towns and that a large number of expat kurds have returned home, bringing with them languages as diverse as Swedish and Japanese.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Meat! As with many other middle eastern people, Kurds are voracious carnivores. Local foods include: Kebab, dolma (stuffed grape vines), yaprax (assorted stuffed vegtables ranging from onions to courgettes, shila u brinc (the Kurdish national dish, composing rice alongside a soup, which is made from many vegtables such as okra "bamiya", and the infamous gipa (much like scottish haggis).

The less adventurous traveler will be reassured to know that many "western" style food establishments are now open in the major population centres, such as Dominoe's Pizza and numerous fried chicken and burger joints.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Bottled water is widely available. As are bottled/canned soft drinks. The tap water is considered to be relatively safe.

Although a muslim nation, alcohol is widely available and freely consumed, visitors are advised to try the kurdish national drink "Arak", a concoction of fermented dates and aniseed which can as local tradition has it "make the dryest eye cry". European beers, lagers and ales are also widely available as are locally produced wines, which make up for what they lack in sophistication with character.

[edit] Stay safe

While Kurdistan Iraq is a reasonably safe place, the journey can become dangerous if you cross into the areas of Iraq outside of Kurdistan regional government control. Southern Iraq is extremely unsafe as compared to Kurdistan, with bombings and attacks on foreigners commonplace. The border is well demarcated by the Kurdish security services.

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