Kirkuk: The Heart of Ancient Mesopotamia

• Helloسڵاو
  [slaw]
• Goodbyeخداحافظ
  [khuda hafiz]
• Yesبەڵێ
  [belle]
• Noنەخێر
  [nekher]
• Please/You're welcomeتكایە
  [tekaye]
• Thank youسوپاس
  [supas]
• Excuse me/Sorryببورە
  [babure]
• How are you?چۆنییت؟
  [choniit?]
• Fine. And you?باشە. ئه‌وه‌ی؟
  [bashe. awei?]
• Do you speak English?بە زمانی ئینگلیزی گوتیت؟
  [be zamani inglizi gutit?]
• I don't understandنازانم
  [nazanam]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseدەتەوێ بەرنامە بنیشان بدەیت، تكایە
  [deteoay bernama bnishan bdeyat, tekaye]
• I don't eat meatمن گۆشت ناخۆم
  [man gosht nakhome]
• Cheers!به‌خه‌ی
  [bexey]
• I would like to pay, pleaseدەتەوێ پارە بدەم، تكایە
  [deteoay pare bdem, tekaye]

• Help!یارمەتی!
  [yarmeti!]
• Go away!دەرەوە!
  [derewe!]
• Call the Police!پۆلیس بپەخشە!
  [police bpekhshe!]
• Call a doctor!دۆکتۆر بپەخشە!
  [doctor bpekhshe!]
• I'm lostمن گمكردم
  [man gomkrdm]
• I'm illمن تندروستم
  [man tandroostm]

• I'd like to buy...دەتەوێ خرید بکەم...
  [deteoay khreed bkem...]
• I'm just lookingمن تەنها دەگەڕێنم
  [man tenha degernam]
• How much is it?چندە؟
  [chande?]
• That's too expensiveئەوەی زۆر گرانە
  [awei zor grane]
• Can you lower the price?دەتوانی قەیمەت کەم بکەیت؟
  [detwani qaymate kem bkeiyat?]

• What time is it?چۆنی ڕێکە؟
  [choni reke?]
• It's one o'clockیەکەیەکەیەک
  [yekayeka]
• Half past (10)نیمی دەیەکەم
  [nimi dayekam]
• Morningبەهار
  [bahar]
• Afternoonپاشنه‌وه
  [pashnewa]
• Eveningئێواره
  [ewara]
• Yesterdayدوێنێ
  [doyene]
• Todayئەمڕۆ
  [amro]
• Tomorrowسەرەتا
  [sereta]
• 1یەک
  [yek]
• 2دوو
  [dw]
• 3سێ
  [se]
• 4چوار
  [chwar]
• 5پێنج
  [penj]
• 6شەش
  [shash]
• 7حەوت
  [hewt]
• 8هەشت
  [hasht]
• 9نۆ
  [no]
• 10دە
  [de]

• Where's the...?لە کوێ ئەوەیە؟
  [le kwe awei?]
• What's the address?ئەدرێس چییە؟
  [edres chiye?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?دەتوانی نیشان بدەیت (لەسەر نەخشە)?
  [detwani nishan bdeyat (lese nakhshe)?]
• When's the next bus?کاتێک باسی داهاتوو بەردەستە؟
  [katek basi dahatoo berdeste?]
• A ticket (to ....)بلیتی (بۆ ....)
  [beliti (bo ....)]

Kirkuk's history dates back to ancient times when it was part of the Assyrian Empire. The city was known as Arrapha and served as an important center for the Assyrians. The ruins of the ancient city include impressive artifacts and remnants of Assyrian architecture, offering a glimpse into a civilization that once dominated the region.

Following the fall of the Assyrian Empire, Kirkuk came under the control of the Babylonians and later the Persians. The city's strategic location made it a vital part of these empires. The influence of Babylonian and Persian culture can still be seen in the archaeological remains and historical sites in and around the city.

With the advent of Islam in the 7th century, Kirkuk was incorporated into the rapidly expanding Islamic Caliphate. The city saw significant growth and development during this period, becoming a hub for Islamic culture and learning. Numerous mosques, madrasas, and other Islamic architectural marvels were built, many of which still stand today.

Kirkuk came under Ottoman rule in the early 16th century and remained part of the Ottoman Empire until the early 20th century. This era brought about significant administrative and infrastructural changes in the city. The remnants of Ottoman architecture and the influence of Turkish culture are evident in the city's historic districts.

The 20th century was a period of significant upheaval for Kirkuk, marked by the discovery of oil in the region. This transformed Kirkuk into an economic powerhouse but also led to political strife and conflict. The city saw various periods of unrest, particularly during the Iraq-Iran War and the Gulf Wars, which have left lasting impacts on its social and cultural landscape.

In recent years, Kirkuk has been at the heart of the Kurdish cultural renaissance. The city's diverse population includes Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen, and Assyrians, all of whom contribute to its rich cultural tapestry. Efforts to preserve and promote Kurdish culture have led to a resurgence of traditional music, dance, and festivals, making Kirkuk a vibrant cultural center once again.

Kirkuk is located in northern Iraq and is accessible by various means of transportation. The nearest major airport is Erbil International Airport, approximately 100 kilometers away. From Erbil, you can take a taxi or arrange for a private car service to Kirkuk. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by road. Alternatively, you can use domestic flights to reach Baghdad and then travel to Kirkuk by road, which is around 250 kilometers away.

Kirkuk has several modes of transportation available for tourists. Taxis are widely available and are the most convenient way to get around the city. Public minibuses, known as 'shared taxis,' operate on fixed routes and are a budget-friendly option. Renting a car is also possible, but it is advisable to hire a local driver who is familiar with the area and its traffic conditions.

The official currency in Iraq is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller shops and markets. ATMs are available in Kirkuk, but it is recommended to withdraw sufficient cash in larger cities like Erbil or Baghdad to ensure you have enough funds.

While Kirkuk has seen improvements in security, it is essential to stay vigilant. Avoid areas with a high crime rate, particularly in neighborhoods like Hawija. Always follow the advice of local authorities and stay updated on travel advisories. Avoid traveling alone at night and keep your belongings secure in crowded areas.

In case of emergency, dial 104 for police assistance. For medical emergencies, dial 122. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The main hospital in Kirkuk is the Azadi Teaching Hospital, which provides emergency medical services. Pharmacies are available where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and religious practices. When visiting mosques, dress conservatively and remove your shoes before entering. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Avoid loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'As-salamu alaykum.' A handshake is also common, but only if initiated by the other person. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Kirkuk like a local, visit the local markets (souks) where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Iraqi goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the ancient citadel of Kirkuk and the historic Qishla building. For a unique experience, try the local cuisine at family-owned restaurants, which offer an authentic taste of Kirkuk's culinary heritage.