Erbil Citadel: A Timeless Fortress

Erbil Citadel, locally called Qellat, is more than just a historical site; it's a living testament to the enduring spirit of Erbil. This ancient city center, perched atop a tell (a mound created by successive generations building upon the ruins of their predecessors), has been inhabited for over 6,000 years and possibly longer. The Citadel has been controlled by Sumerian, Assyrian, Sassanid, Mongol, Christian, and Ottoman hands. Erbil was known as Arba Elu ('four gods') by the Babylonians and Assyrians.As you approach the Citadel, the imposing 19th-century facades create the visual impression of an impregnable fortress. The site encompasses a series of buildings and narrow alleyways that invite exploration and discovery. Inside, museums showcase artifacts and exhibitions detailing the history and culture of the Kurdish people and the broader region. The Kurdish Textile Museum is located within the Citadel. The panoramic views from the Citadel provide a stunning backdrop, with the sprawling city of Erbil laid out below.The Citadel is a maze of alleyways where the ancient commercial heart of the city beats strongly to this day. The mosque dates back to the 13th century. The hammam dates back to the 1700s. In 2014, Erbil Citadel was inscribed as a World Heritage site. Restoration began in 2010, and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has budgeted $13 million for the restoration project.