Hawler: The Heartbeat of Northern Iraq

• Helloسڵاو
  [Slaaw]
• Goodbyeبابە
  [Babe]
• Yesبەڵێ
  [Belle]
• Noنەخێر
  [Nekher]
• Please/You're welcomeتکایە/خوازراوە
  [Tkaaye/Khwazrawe]
• Thank youسوپاس
  [Swaapas]
• Excuse me/Sorryببورە/ببوورە
  [Bbore/Bboore]
• How are you?چۆنیت؟
  [Choniit?]
• Fine. And you?باشە. تۆ چۆنی؟
  [Bashe. To choni?]
• Do you speak English?زمانی ئینگلیزی دەتوانیت؟
  [Zmani Englishi detwaanit?]
• I don't understandنەفەهمم
  [Nefehemm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseدەتەوێ بم بەرنامەیەک ببینم، تکایە
  [Detewey bm bernameek bbenem, tkaaye]
• I don't eat meatمێ خواری نەدەم
  [Me khwari nedem]
• Cheers!سەلامتیتان!
  [Selametaytan!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseدەتەوێ پارە بدەم، تکایە
  [Detewey pare bdem, tkaaye]

• Help!یارمەتی!
  [Yarmeti!]
• Go away!بچە!
  [Bche!]
• Call the Police!پۆلیس بپەخشە!
  [Polis bpekheshe!]
• Call a doctor!دۆکتۆر بپەخشە!
  [Doktor bpekheshe!]
• I'm lostلە گەڕمم
  [Le geremm]
• I'm illمنداڵم
  [Mendalm]

• I'd like to buy...دەتەوێ خریداری بکەم...
  [Detewey khreedari bkem...]
• I'm just lookingتەنها دەچم
  [Tenha dechm]
• How much is it?بۆ چەندە؟
  [Bo chende?]
• That's too expensiveبەرزییە
  [Berziye]
• Can you lower the price?دەتوانیت بەری بەکات؟
  [Detwaanit beri bekat?]

• What time is it?کاتێچیە؟
  [Katechiye?]
• It's one o'clockیەک بەرز
  [Yek berz]
• Half past (10)نیم لە (دە)
  [Nim le (de)]
• Morningصبح
  [Sebhe]
• Afternoonبۆیان
  [Boyan]
• Eveningئێوارە
  [Eware]
• Yesterdayدوێنێ
  [Doyene]
• Todayئەمڕۆ
  [Amro]
• Tomorrowئەتوانی
  [Etewani]
• 1یەک
  [Yek]
• 2دوو
  [Dow]
• 3سێ
  [Se]
• 4چوار
  [Chwar]
• 5پێنج
  [Penj]
• 6شەش
  [Shesh]
• 7حەوت
  [Hewt]
• 8هەشت
  [Hasht]
• 9نۆ
  [No]
• 10دە
  [De]

• Where's a/the...?کوێیە یەکە...؟
  [Koye yeka...?]
• What's the address?ناونیشان چیاە؟
  [Nawneeshan chyae?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?دەتوانیت نیشانم بدەیت (لەسەر نەخشە؟
  [Detwaanit neeshanm bdayt (leser nekhshe?]
• When's the next (bus)?کاتێچی بەشێکی تریا؟
  [Katechi be'sheki terya?]
• A ticket (to ....)بلیت (بۆ ....)
  [Bleat (bo ....)]

The Erbil Citadel is one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the world, with a history dating back to at least the 5th millennium BC. It has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous civilizations, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Assyrians, and Persians. The Citadel's strategic location on a tell, or archaeological mound, allowed it to serve as a stronghold and a cultural hub throughout antiquity.

During the Assyrian Empire, Erbil (known as Arbela) was an important city. It served as a religious center dedicated to the goddess Ishtar. The Assyrians fortified the city, leaving behind a legacy of monumental architecture and artifacts that can still be seen in the region's museums.

Erbil fell under the control of the Achaemenid Empire and later the Macedonian Empire following Alexander the Great's conquest. The city thrived as a center of trade and learning. Hellenistic influences brought new architectural and cultural elements, blending with the existing Mesopotamian traditions.

With the advent of Islam in the 7th century, Erbil became part of the Rashidun Caliphate and, subsequently, the Abbasid Caliphate. The city experienced a golden age, becoming a center of learning and culture. Many scholars, poets, and scientists called Erbil home during this period.

In the 13th century, Erbil faced devastation at the hands of the Mongol Empire. The city was sacked, and its population suffered greatly. Despite this, Erbil managed to rebuild and retain its importance in the region over time.

Erbil became part of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. During Ottoman rule, the city continued to develop its infrastructure and trade networks. The influence of Ottoman architecture can still be observed in some of Erbil's historical buildings.

In the 20th century, Erbil became part of the newly formed state of Iraq. The city has since experienced significant growth and modernization, particularly after the establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government in the 1990s. Today, Erbil is a thriving metropolis with a unique blend of ancient history and modern culture.

Hawler, also known as Erbil, is accessible via Erbil International Airport (EBL), which has connections to major cities in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a hotel shuttle to reach the city center. Roads leading to Hawler are generally well-maintained, making it feasible to travel by car from other parts of Iraq or neighboring countries.

Once in Hawler, you have several transportation options. Taxis are the most convenient and widely used mode of transport, and they are relatively affordable. Ride-hailing apps like Careem are also popular. For public transportation, minibuses (known as 'kareem') operate on fixed routes within the city. Renting a car is another option, but be aware of local driving conditions and regulations.

The currency used in Iraq is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). Credit and debit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout the city, and it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash for your daily needs.

Hawler is generally considered safe for tourists, but it is always important to remain vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Certain areas on the outskirts of the city have higher crime rates, so it's best to stick to well-known neighborhoods and tourist areas.

In case of an emergency, you can dial 104 for police, 115 for fire services, and 122 for medical emergencies. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Major hospitals in Hawler, such as the West Erbil Emergency Hospital, offer good medical services. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and religious practices. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Hawler like a local, visit the bustling Qaysari Bazaar, where you can find everything from spices to traditional clothing. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and eager to share their culture and history. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the ancient Citadel of Erbil, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stroll through the lively Sami Abdulrahman Park for a taste of local life.