Erbil – a City of Optimism and Aspirations in Iraq

Posted by Catherine Tramell
6
Jul 6, 2013
975 Views
Erbil is the capital of Iraq’s Kurdish region is the fourth largest city in Iraq after Baghdad, Basra and Mosul. It is a city of aspirations and optimism and is referred as second Dubai, because of its many shopping malls, luxurious five star hotels, gleaming skyscrapers, luxury car show rooms, designer stores and fast food chains from Western world. The city is inhabited for nearly 10,000 years, making it one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. The city has been capturing the attentions of world for all the right reasons and is nominated as top travel destination for 2011 by the National Geographic and New York times. Erbil is safe, secular, liberal and one of the more tolerant areas in the wider Middle East. So catch low fare flights bound to Erbil and visit this great fascinating city which offers you a new perspective to see the Arab world.

Erbil is a welcome break for the people of Iraq who bear the scars from decades of wars and economic sanctions. The city is a proud home of Citadel, which is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. Erbil is a city which has mosques on one hand then rollercoaster on other which appeal both young and old and makes it a city where old meets new. On a visit to city visitors can come across several amazing attractions and can do various exciting activities to make their holidays the most cherished ones.

Qaysari Bazaar:-Qaysari Bazaar is truly a treat for anyone who visits Erbil. This Middle Eastern bazaar covers a huge area and accommodates all types of sellers from gold to textiles and from food to souvenirs. It is an enjoyable roam around the stalls which allow visitors to identify specific rituals and traditions associated with each of these communities.

Kurdish Textile Museum:- It is also among the must visit attractions of city that provides a good overview of art and craft of people of this city . The museum has various specimens of textiles, maps, photographs, craft items that speaks themselves in volumes.

Erbil Citadel:- This is the biggest draw of city. Settled around 6,000 years ago it is one of the longest continuously inhabited sites in the world that rises some 30 meters above the surrounding area is elliptical in shape and comprising courtyards, hamam, houses and gates all of which are made up of bricks. In its golden period it was a home to important poets, historians and scholars and later on it served as the cultural and administrative center in the Ottoman Empire.

Ainkawa:- Located on the outskirts of city center , this is a Christian Quarter of Erbil . It has collection of neighborhoods that offers a different perspective of life of Kurdish people. On walking down its streets one can come across variety of shops, bars, restaurants and churches. To catch the glimpses of this and much more fly to Erbil from Manchester and enjoy a visit to new upcoming world city.

Visit beautiful amusement parks:- If you want to feel relaxed and rejuvenated , then do visit the Aqua Tarin water park and fitness center for some fun and refreshment. The center is a good place to be with children as it has various water rides, pools, cafes and parks. There is another park where you can visit is Sami Abdul Rahman Prak which has numerous lakes and cafes and it is one of the Erbil’s famous family –oriented parks.

1pm Head to the Sami Abdul Rahman park for some relaxation time. The park has numerous small lakes and cafes and is one of Arbil's most popular family-oriented parks.
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