The Timeless Charms of Erbil Governorate

• Helloسڵاو
  [sllaw]
• Goodbyeخداحافظ
  [khudahafiz]
• Yesبەڵێ
  [bellay]
• Noنەخێر
  [nekher]
• Please/You're welcomeتکایە
  [takaye]
• Thank youسوپاس
  [supas]
• Excuse me/Sorryببورە
  [bbure]
• How are you?چۆنییت؟
  [choniyat?]
• Fine. And you?خۆشە. تۆ چی؟
  [khosha. to chi?]
• Do you speak English?ئینگلیزی دەنەت؟
  [ingilizi dinet?]
• I don't understandنەفەهمم
  [nefehmm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseداوا دەکەم لە بەرنامەیەک ببینم، تکایە
  [dawa dekem le bernameyek bebînem, takaye]
• I don't eat meatمن گۆشی ناخۆشم
  [min goshi nakhosham]
• Cheers!چاو
  [chaw]
• I would like to pay, pleaseداوا دەکەم بپارێزم، تکایە
  [dawa dekem bparêzm, takaye]

• Help!یارمەتی!
  [yarmeti!]
• Go away!دەرەوە برو!
  [derewa bero!]
• Call the Police!پۆلیس بپەخشە!
  [polis bpekhshe!]
• Call a doctor!دۆکتۆر بپەخشە!
  [doktor bpekhshe!]
• I'm lostگمکردم
  [gumkirdem]
• I'm illناراستم
  [narastem]

• I'd like to buy...داوا دەکەم بکچم...
  [dawa dekem bkechm...]
• I'm just lookingتەنها دەخەم ببینم
  [tenha dekhem bebînem]
• How much is it?چەقدە بەردەستە؟
  [cheqde berdeste?]
• That's too expensiveبەرزییە
  [berziye]
• Can you lower the price?دەتوانی ئەوەی پارە بەرەوەریت بکەی؟
  [detawani ewey pare berewerit bekey?]

• What time is it?کاتژمێر چییە؟
  [katjemer chiyae?]
• It's one o'clockیەک کاتژمێرە
  [yek katjemer]
• Half past (10)نیساند (ده‌)
  [nisand (de)]
• Morningبەیانی
  [bayani]
• Afternoonپێشوو
  [pêşo]
• Eveningئێوار
  [ewar]
• Yesterdayدوێنێ
  [dowene]
• Todayئەمڕۆ
  [amro]
• Tomorrowسەرەتا
  [sereta]
• 1یەک
  [yek]
• 2دوو
  [dow]
• 3سێ
  [se]
• 4چوار
  [chwar]
• 5پێنج
  [pênj]
• 6شەش
  [shesh]
• 7حەوت
  [hewt]
• 8هەشت
  [hesht]
• 9نۆ
  [no]
• 10دە
  [de]

• Where's a/the...?لە کوێیە...؟
  [le koyye...?]
• What's the address?ناونیشان چییە؟
  [nawnîshan chiyae?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?دەتوانی پیشانم بدەیت (لەناونیشان)؟
  [detawani pîshanem bedeyt (lenawnîshan)?]
• When's the next (bus)?کاتێک بەردەستە (وێنە)؟
  [katek berdeste (wene)?]
• A ticket (to ....)بلیت (بۆ ....)
  [belit (bo ....)]

Erbil, also known as Hawler, boasts one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history that spans over 6,000 years. It was part of the ancient Assyrian Empire and served as an important administrative center. The Erbil Citadel, perched on a tell, has seen numerous civilizations come and go, from the Sumerians to the Akkadians, Babylonians, and Medes.

The Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a tell or mound that rises around 30 meters above the surrounding plain. It has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years. The citadel's strategic location made it a crucial military and trading post throughout history. The citadel's labyrinthine streets and ancient buildings offer a glimpse into the lives of its past inhabitants.

In the 7th century, Erbil came under the control of the Islamic Caliphate during the Muslim conquests. The city became an important center of learning and culture. The establishment of mosques, madrasas, and other religious institutions helped in the dissemination of Islamic culture and education.

Erbil became part of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century and remained under Ottoman control until the early 20th century. During this period, the city saw significant administrative and architectural developments. The Ottomans established new trade routes and improved infrastructure, linking Erbil more closely with the rest of the empire.

In the 20th century, Erbil became a focal point in the Kurdish struggle for autonomy and independence. The city has been a center for Kurdish cultural and political movements, particularly after the establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government in the 1990s. Erbil has since seen rapid development and modernization while striving to preserve its rich cultural heritage.

Today, Erbil is a bustling economic and cultural hub in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The city's modern skyline is complemented by bustling markets, luxury hotels, and international businesses. Despite its rapid modernization, Erbil continues to celebrate its rich history and diverse cultural heritage, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Erbil Governorate is served by Erbil International Airport (EBL), which has direct flights from major cities in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for airport shuttle services to reach your accommodation. Overland travel is also possible from neighboring countries, but ensure to check border crossing conditions and visa requirements.

Within Erbil, taxis are the most common form of transportation and are relatively inexpensive. Ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber also operate in the city. For intercity travel, buses and shared taxis connect Erbil with other cities and towns within the governorate and beyond. Car rentals are available at the airport and in the city for those who prefer driving.

The official currency is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and some shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are widely available in Erbil, but ensure to notify your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage.

Erbil is generally considered safe for tourists, but it is always wise to remain vigilant. Avoid areas near the borders and stay updated on travel advisories. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded places, so keep an eye on your belongings. Neighborhoods like Ankawa and the Citadel area are popular with tourists and relatively secure.

In case of emergencies, dial 104 for police, 115 for fire, and 122 for medical emergencies. Major hospitals in Erbil, such as West Erbil Emergency Hospital and Rizgari Hospital, provide emergency medical services. It is advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and repatriation.

Fashion: Do dress modestly; women should avoid wearing revealing clothing. Men should avoid shorts in public areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and religious practices, especially during prayer times. Public Transport: Do be respectful to fellow passengers; avoid loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake; men should wait for women to extend their hand first. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings; don't refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.

To experience Erbil like a local, visit the bustling Erbil Bazaar where you can buy traditional Kurdish goods and souvenirs. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and eager to share their culture. Don't miss the historic Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy a stroll in Sami Abdulrahman Park, one of the largest parks in the Middle East.