Erbil

Erbil
Name	Erbil
Native name	ھەولێر
Settlement type	City
Coordinates	36, 11, 28, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Iraq
Subdivision type1	Autonomous Region
Subdivision name1	Kurdistan Region
Subdivision type2	Governorate
Subdivision name2	Erbil Governorate
Leader title	Governor
Leader name	Omed Khoshnaw
Area total km2	115
Elevation m	390
Population total	1,431,580
Population as of	2018 Estimate
Population density km2	auto

Erbil, also known as Hawler, is the capital and most populous city of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history stretching back over 8,000 years, centered on the iconic Erbil Citadel. As a major economic and cultural hub, it serves as the seat of the Kurdistan Regional Government and hosts numerous international consulates and corporations.

History

The city's ancient roots are tied to the historical region of Adiabene and was known as Arbela in antiquity, playing a significant role during the conquests of Alexander the Great and the subsequent Seleucid Empire. It was a center for the Church of the East and later became part of successive empires including the Sasanian Empire, the Rashidun Caliphate, and the Ottoman Empire. In the 20th century, it was integrated into the modern state of Iraq, witnessing pivotal events such as the Al-Anfal Campaign and the establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government following the Gulf War. Recent history has been shaped by the Iraq War, the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and the city's role as a stable capital within the Kurdistan Region.

Geography and climate

Located in the Mesopotamian Plain, the city sits approximately 390 meters above sea level, with the Great Zab river flowing to its south. The urban area is dominated by the tell of the ancient Erbil Citadel. Erbil experiences a hot-summer Mediterranean climate with influences from the surrounding Zagros Mountains, characterized by extremely hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, with occasional snowfall. The region is part of the historical Assyrian heartland and lies north of the oil-rich city of Kirkuk.

Demographics and culture

The population is predominantly Kurdish, with significant communities of Assyrians, Turkmen, and Armenians. The primary languages are Kurdish (specifically the Sorani dialect) and Arabic, with Syriac also used by Christian communities. Culturally, it is a center for Kurdish literature, Kurdish music, and hosts the annual Erbil International Film Festival. The city is also known for traditional crafts and cuisine, and is home to important institutions like the Salahaddin University and the Kurdistan Parliament.

Economy

Erbil's economy is driven by public administration, construction, real estate, and a growing services sector, bolstered by its status as the capital of the Kurdistan Region. While historically less dependent on hydrocarbons than cities like Kirkuk, revenues from the Kurdistan oil and gas industry are significant. The Erbil International Airport facilitates trade and connectivity, and the city has attracted international investment from companies like Dana Gas and Genel Energy. Major projects include the Erbil Empire World complex and numerous shopping malls, though the economy has faced challenges from budgetary disputes with the Federal Government of Iraq.

Main sights and landmarks

The UNESCO-listed Erbil Citadel is the city's most famous landmark, a fortified mound with a continuous history of habitation. Other major sites include the Franso Hariri Stadium, the modern Kurdistan Parliament building, and the Samî ʿAbdulraḥman Park. The Kurdish Textile Museum and the Syriac Heritage Museum preserve local cultural history, while the Jalil Khayat Mosque and the St. Joseph's Cathedral represent the city's religious diversity. The bustling Qaysari Bazaar offers a traditional market experience near the citadel's base.

Administration and infrastructure

The city is the capital of the Erbil Governorate and is administered by the Kurdistan Regional Government. It is divided into several districts and is a hub for numerous international consulates, including those of the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany. Key infrastructure includes Erbil International Airport, the American University of Iraq - Sulaimani's Erbil campus, and major hospitals like the Erbil Teaching Hospital. The city's road network connects it to Mosul, Kirkuk, and Sulaymaniyah, and it has developed extensive modern utilities and telecommunications networks.

Category:Erbil Category:Populated places in Erbil Governorate Category:Capitals in Asia