Kalar: The Hidden Gem of Iraq

• Helloسڵاو
  [Slaaw]
• Goodbyeباشترین
  [Bashtrean]
• Yesبەڵێ
  [Belle]
• Noنەخێر
  [Nekher]
• Please/You're welcomeتکایە
  [Tekaye]
• Thank youسوپاس
  [Sopas]
• Excuse me/Sorryببورە
  [Bbure]
• How are you?چۆنیەتی؟
  [Choneta?]
• Fine. And you?باشە. ئەوەم؟
  [Bashe. Awam?]
• Do you speak English?ئینگلیزی دەتوانیت بەکات؟
  [Ingilizi detwanit bekat?]
• I don't understandنەفەهمم
  [Nefehmem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseدەتەوێت دەستی مێنیو بکەیت، تکایە
  [Detewet desti menu bekeyt, tekaye]
• I don't eat meatمێنە خوارم
  [Menekhwaram]
• Cheers!سوپاس
  [Sopas]
• I would like to pay, pleaseدەتەوێت پارە بدەیت، تکایە
  [Detewet pare bedeyt, tekaye]

• Help!یارمەتی!
  [Yarmeti!]
• Go away!دەرەوە!
  [Derewe!]
• Call the Police!پۆلیس بپێیە!
  [Polis bpeye!]
• Call a doctor!دۆکتۆر بپێیە!
  [Doktor bpeye!]
• I'm lostگمکراوم
  [Gumkrawam]
• I'm illتەنگیم
  [Tangim]

• I'd like to buy...دەتەوێت بخریت...
  [Detewet bokhreyt...]
• I'm just lookingتەنها دەچمت
  [Tenha dechmat]
• How much is it?چەقدەیە؟
  [Cheqdeya?]
• That's too expensiveبەرزییە
  [Brezie]
• Can you lower the price?دەتوانیت قەیڵی بەرزی بکەیت؟
  [Detwanit qeyli brezi bekeyt?]

• What time is it?کاتێکی چییە؟
  [Kateki chiye?]
• It's one o'clockیەکەم کاتەوە
  [Yekem katewe]
• Half past (10)نیمەی چوار
  [Nimeyi chwar]
• Morningصبح
  [Sobh]
• Afternoonدوپەیین
  [Dupayin]
• Eveningئێوارە
  [Eware]
• Yesterdayدیروز
  [Diroz]
• Todayئەمڕوز
  [Emrooz]
• Tomorrowسەلە
  [Sela]
• 1یەک
  [Yek]
• 2دوو
  [Dow]
• 3سێ
  [Se]
• 4چوار
  [Chwar]
• 5پێنج
  [Penj]
• 6شەش
  [Shesh]
• 7حەوت
  [Hewt]
• 8هەشت
  [Hasht]
• 9نۆ
  [No]
• 10دە
  [De]

• Where's a/the...?لە کوێیە...
  [Le kwaye...]
• What's the address?ناونیشانی چییە؟
  [Navnishani chiye?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?دەتوانیت وەریگەریم بدەیت؟
  [Detwanit wergaraym bedeyt?]
• When's the next (bus)?کاتێک دواتریەکە؟
  [Kateki dwatereke?]
• A ticket (to ....)بلیت (بۆ ...)
  [Bilete (bo ...)]

Kalar, located in the Garmian region of Iraq, has a rich history that traces back to ancient Mesopotamian civilizations. The area was part of the broader Mesopotamian cradle of civilization, where early human settlements flourished due to the fertile lands between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

During the Islamic Golden Age, Kalar experienced significant cultural and economic development. The spread of Islamic culture and learning reached Kalar, contributing to the region's importance in trade and scholarship. The remnants of early Islamic architecture in the area reflect this prosperous era.

Kalar became part of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century, which brought new administrative structures and cultural influences. This period saw the construction of several key infrastructures, including caravanserais and mosques, which facilitated trade and travel across the region.

During World War I, Kalar and the surrounding regions were significant battlegrounds. After the defeat of the Ottoman Empire, Kalar came under British control as part of the British Mandate of Mesopotamia. This period marked a transition towards modern statehood for Iraq and brought new political dynamics to Kalar.

In the 20th century, Kalar became part of the newly established Iraqi state. It played a role in the various political and social changes that swept through the country, including the 1958 revolution that overthrew the monarchy. Kalar's strategic location made it a vital area during these transformative years.

Kalar is located in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, which has experienced significant political strife and struggle for autonomy. The area has been a focal point for Kurdish identity and resistance, especially during the late 20th century and early 21st century. The establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government brought a new era of self-governance and development to Kalar.

Kalar is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant festivals. The region celebrates traditional Kurdish festivals such as Newroz, which marks the Kurdish New Year and the arrival of spring. These celebrations are characterized by music, dance, and elaborate festivities that highlight the cultural uniqueness of Kalar.

Kalar is located in the Sulaymaniyah Governorate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The nearest major airport is Sulaymaniyah International Airport, approximately 120 kilometers away. From Sulaymaniyah, you can take a taxi or a private car to Kalar, which typically takes around 2 hours by road. There are also bus services available from Sulaymaniyah to Kalar, offering a more economical option.

Kalar is a relatively small town, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Public buses and shared taxis operate within the town and connect to nearby villages. Renting a car can also be a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Iraq is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Kalar, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in major cities before traveling to ensure you have enough funds.

Kalar is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Kalar. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering mosques and other religious sites. 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 delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Kalar like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Kurdish goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Kalar Citadel, which offers a glimpse into the region's rich history. For a unique experience, take part in local festivals and events, which showcase traditional Kurdish music, dance, and cuisine.