The oldest house of Kurds- Erbil Citadel

by Kenza Itzik Erbil Business The historical value of Erbil Citadel to archaeologists and historians is immense. It is the only continuously inhabited citadel left in the entire world. Hence, the historical value and magnetism of the place are its main characteristic.

 
Located in the historical city of Erbil, Iraq this mound is house of Kurds of Iraq. It is the oldest constantly inhabited place in the whole world. There has never been a period in time in which the Erbil Citadel has been without its residents. This Citadel is primarily a raised mound at a height of about 25 to 32 meters from the surrounding plain areas. It is divided into three districts- Serai, Takya and Topkhana.  The Serai district used to be inhabited by the notable families, whereas, theTakya district remained home to the dervishes of Iraq. Topkhana remained a home for the artisans and craftsmen.

 
Erbil Citadel is a historical site recognised by the Archaeologists all around the world to have been in existence for 7000 years. In 2007, the High Commission for Erbil Citadel Revitalization (HCECR) was established to oversee the restoration of this cidatel. Its main purpose is to provide safe way for the archaeologists to investigate and carry out ample research over its history and the way life was spent in the early days of Erbil Citadel town. Since then many local and international agencies have carried out archaeological activities at Erbil.  According to the renovation plan issued by the High Commission for Erbil Citadel Revitalization (HCECR), the renovation will take place in a manner that all the historically valued sites are preserved and the population residing at Erbil shall be restricted to a number of 50 families only.


The only religious structure that has survived on the mound is the MullaAffandi Mosque. The buildings on top of the Citadel stretch over a roughly oval area of 430 by 340 metres (1,410 ft × 1,120 ft) occupying 102,000 square metres (1,100,000 sq ft).  According to Archaeological studies the earliest sign of existence here can be traced to as early as 5th millennium BC. It is discovered that it may have been occupied as a proper habitant locality as early as Neolithic period as fragments of pottery dating as old as that era were found at the Citadel.


Historical sources have quoted Citadel for the first time in relation to mentioning the Ur III period. It appears from the archaeological as well as historical accounts that this town gained particular importance during the Neo-Assyrian period.  Erbil Town has been an important hub for Christianity during the Sassanian period and the Abbasid Caliphate. Hence, Erbil’s history may be seen as diverse in view of religious influences exerted on the town. After the Mongols took control of the citadel in 1258, the importance of Erbil declined as the hub of Christianity.  During the 20th century, the urban structure was significantly modified, as a result of which a number of houses and public buildings were destroyed. The whole façade of the town changed significantly. Hence, in 2007 the restoration and renovation project was initiated to cater any further gross modifications.

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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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