Erbil’s citadelle is its most dominant landmark, it can be seen from everywhere, although it is only a short walk up. The hill is said to have been
Erbil citadel -the earliest evidence for occupation of the citadel hill dates to the 5th millennium BC,
Erbil Citadel
Erbil Citadel
I listened to my expat Iraqi friends and checked into the Erbil International Hotel, for about 110€ a night. Its beautiful garden and large pool make it the most attractive hotel in town, although the concrete wall all around it and the bizarre security procedure at the entrance, remindeded of times when Erbil was less peaceful.
Erbil International Hotel
Really interesting was the daily Iftar dinner around the pool and in the adjacent garden, where families or large groups of men gathered for Iftar.
During the day it was a bit more secular around the pool, even during Ramadan the pool area was a party zone, cocktails were mixed and served, shishas smoked and bikinis
Truly spectacular were the safety measure- the hotel is surrounded by a very high concrete wall, the entrance is controlled by heavily armed guys checking the underneath of cars, big spike protruding from the ground prevent cars from entering.
My personal favorite was the large plaza next to the bazar. In the evening it is full of people, mainly men sitting in long rows of plastic chairs, drinking tea, chatting and watching what’s going on. But also families are enjoying the cooling fountains and the simple entertainments- ballons and man dresses like Mickey mouse. One evening there was even a little concert.
One afternoon, I asked two guys to take photos of me on the plaza. They looked nice and we got to take, they were from Syria and had been stranded here for many years.
Syrian refugees in Erbil
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