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Tourist Guide To Iraqi Kurdistan
12.1.2006
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The General Establishment of Tourism in Iraqi
Kurdistan has published a tourist guide to Arbil
(Hawler) Dohuk and Sulaimaniyah.
The introduction informs would-be visitors that
despite the onslaught against the region by Saddam's
regime and the mass annihilation of the Kurdish
people the tragedies have now been converted into
success stories of stability, security and serenity
and "Allah has bestowed upon such land natural
wealth, charming vistas, mountains, valleys, water
springs, caves and waterfalls".
The section on Erbil describes the citadel dating
back 6,000 years where hundreds of families are now
living in 506 houses. The Great Mosque and Citadel
bath were built in 1775AD. The colour photos include
Sheikh Chooli Minaret which was built by Sultan
Mudhaffarudeen and dates back to 543-586AD.
The spiral minaret is 21.5m high with splendid Kufic calilgraphy and the
inscribed names of the Prophet. It was built by
Masoudi Muhammadi. |
Karen Dabrowska, author of Iraq: the Bradt Travel
Guide, is a freelance journalist focusing on Middle
Eastern and Islamic affairs. |
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One of Erbil's newest attractions is the park,
opposite the parliament, dedicated to Sami Abdul
Rahman who was killed in a suicide bombing last
year.
Dohuk is the governorate of citadels, castles and
caves while Sulaimaniyah is a modern city between
two mountain chains (Gwezha and Glla Zard).
The 79 page guide dsecribes hotels, parks, museums,
bazaars and delightful tourist resorts including
Shaqlawa, Gully Ali Beg Bekhal and Sarsang.
The archaeologist Vector Plass, has identified the
location of Alexander the Great's famous Arbila
Battle (330BC) near Bartilla Plain in the same place
as ancient Kokmila. After defeating Darios III,
Alexander crossed the Zab River and reached Erbil.
He camped at Girdmamik Village where the remains of
an old bridge are still visible.
Hinterland Travel is running tours to Iraqi
Kurdistan (hinterland@btinternet.com). The
publishers of the tourist guide can be contacted at
kurdistan_tourism@yahoo.com
www.dabrowska.org
Resources on Travel online :
Kurd Travel - Kurdistan Travel and tourist Directory
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