Erbil: The Ancient Jewel of Mesopotamia

• Helloسڵاو
  [Slaaw]
• Goodbyeخداحافظ
  [Khuda hafiz]
• Yesبەڵێ
  [Belle]
• Noنەخێر
  [Nekher]
• Please/You're welcomeتکایە
  [Takaye]
• Thank youسوپاس
  [Sipas]
• Excuse me/Sorryببورە
  [Bbore]
• How are you?چۆنیت؟
  [Choniit?]
• Fine. And you?باشە. تۆ چی؟
  [Bashe. To chi?]
• Do you speak English?زمانی ئینگلیزی دەتوانیت بپێشە؟
  [Zmani inglizi detwanit bepesh?]
• I don't understandنەفەهمم
  [Nefehmam]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseدەتەوێت لیست ببینیت، تکایە
  [Detewet list bibenit, takaye]
• I don't eat meatمن گوشت ناخوم
  [Min gosht nakhum]
• Cheers!سەلامتییەکان!
  [Selamtiyekan!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseدەتەوێت پارە بدەیت، تکایە
  [Detewet pare bedeit, takaye]

• Help!یارمەتی!
  [Yarmeti!]
• Go away!لە دەوروبە!
  [Le dwroba!]
• Call the Police!پۆلیس پەخش بکە!
  [Polis pexh beke!]
• Call a doctor!دۆکتۆر پەخش بکە!
  [Doktor pexh beke!]
• I'm lostمن دەراندووم
  [Min derandum]
• I'm illمن تەندروستم
  [Min tandrostam]

• I'd like to buy...دەتەوێت خەرید بکەیت...
  [Detewet kherid bikeit...]
• I'm just lookingمن تەنها دەگەڕم
  [Min tenha degrem]
• How much is it?چەندە دەکات؟
  [Chende dekat?]
• That's too expensiveئەوە زۆر گرانە
  [Ewe zor gerane]
• Can you lower the price?دەتوانیت نرخ بەخۆت بەبێت؟
  [Detwanit nerkh bekhote bebete?]

• What time is it?کاتێکە؟
  [Kateke?]
• It's one o'clockکاتێک یەکەیە
  [Katek yekaye]
• Half past (10)نیمەی (دەە)
  [Nimey (daa)]
• Morningصبح
  [Sobh]
• Afternoonدوپەڕەم
  [Doparim]
• Eveningئێوارە
  [Evare]
• Yesterdayدوێنێ
  [Doyne]
• Todayئەمڕۆ
  [Emro]
• Tomorrowسڕۆ
  [Saro]
• 1یەک
  [Yek]
• 2دوو
  [Dow]
• 3سێ
  [Se]
• 4چوار
  [Chwar]
• 5پێنج
  [Painj]
• 6شەش
  [Shesh]
• 7حەوت
  [Hewt]
• 8هەشت
  [Hasht]
• 9نۆ
  [No]
• 10دەە
  [Daa]

• Where's a/the...?لە کوێ؟
  [Le koye?]
• What's the address?ناونیشان چییە؟
  [Nawneishan chiye?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?دەتوانیت لەمەپی پیشانم بدەیت؟
  [Detwanit lemepe pishanam bedeit?]
• When's the next (bus)?کاتێک باس لەگەڵ ئەمادەیە؟
  [Kateke bas legel emadeye?]
• A ticket (to ....)بلیت
  [Bilit]

Erbil, known as Hawler in Kurdish, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history spanning back over 6,000 years. It was established by the Sumerians in the third millennium BCE and has since been a critical hub in Mesopotamia, serving as a vibrant center for trade and culture.

During the Assyrian Empire (circa 25th century to 609 BCE), Erbil became a significant city. Known then as Arbela, it was renowned for its temples, particularly the temple to the goddess Ishtar. The city's strategic location made it a linchpin in the Assyrian trade network, linking the empire with Anatolia, Persia, and beyond.

Erbil's historical significance is further highlighted by the Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BCE. This decisive encounter saw Alexander the Great defeat Darius III of Persia, leading to the fall of the Achaemenid Empire. Although the battle took place near present-day Mosul, Erbil played a crucial logistical role in the campaigns of both armies.

With the rise of Islam in the 7th century, Erbil became an essential city in the Islamic Golden Age. Under the Abbasid Caliphate, it flourished as a center of learning and culture. The city was known for its scholars, poets, and traders, contributing to the rich tapestry of Islamic civilization.

In the 16th century, Erbil came under Ottoman control, becoming a vital administrative and military stronghold. The city was part of the Ottoman Empire until the early 20th century. During this period, Erbil witnessed significant architectural developments, including the construction of mosques, caravanserais, and bazaars.

In the 20th century, Erbil saw substantial political and social changes. It became the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, gaining a degree of autonomy. The city has since experienced rapid development and modernization, while still preserving its rich historical heritage. Today, Erbil stands as a testament to the resilience and cultural diversity of its people.

Erbil is served by Erbil International Airport (EBL), which accommodates flights from major cities in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for hotel transfer services to reach the city center. Overland travel is also possible, with buses and shared taxis operating from cities like Baghdad and Suleimaniyah, though it's advisable to check current travel advisories before planning a road trip.

Within Erbil, taxis are the most common mode of transportation and are relatively affordable. Ridesharing apps like Careem and Uber are also available. For short distances, you can explore the city on foot, particularly the Citadel area. Public buses and minibuses (known locally as 'coasters') serve various routes but can be confusing for non-locals. Car rentals are available for those who prefer to drive, but be aware of local driving customs and road conditions.

The official currency in Erbil is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers, but cash is preferred in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available in the city for cash withdrawals. It's advisable to carry some cash for convenience, especially when visiting more remote or traditional areas.

Erbil is generally considered safe for tourists, but it's important to remain vigilant. Avoid the outskirts and areas with little foot traffic, especially at night. The Ankawa district, popular with expatriates, is usually safe but can be more expensive. Always check current travel advisories and avoid any areas flagged for political unrest or high crime rates.

In case of emergency, dial 104 for police assistance, 122 for medical emergencies, and 115 for fire services. Major hospitals like Rizgari Hospital and West Erbil Emergency Hospital offer emergency services. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widespread, but for serious conditions, visiting a hospital is recommended.

Fashion: Do dress modestly. Both men and women should avoid revealing clothing. Women may want to carry a scarf to cover their heads when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect Islamic customs. During the call to prayer, avoid loud conversations near mosques. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake, but be cautious when offering to women, as some may prefer not to shake hands with men. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and accept hospitality graciously. Don't refuse food or drink offered by hosts; it can be considered impolite.

To experience Erbil like a local, visit the bustling Qaysari Bazaar near the Citadel for authentic shopping and cultural immersion. Don't miss the local teahouses (chaikhana), where you can enjoy traditional tea and engage with locals. For a unique experience, visit the Sami Abdulrahman Park, a large green space perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic. Engaging with locals can provide deeper insights into the city's culture and history.