Erbil

Erbil is a fine example of diversity and harmony existing together, working towards the preservation of cultures . The city functions as the capital of the legal government of Kurdistan, the Kurdish region of Iraq, and is also the most populated city for the Kurdish population. It is among one of the older cities of the Arab world, with human settlement in the city being traced back to around 5000 BC.

While the majority of the city's population are Kurds, Erbil is also home to a diverse population of various cultures, such as the Armenians, Yezidis, Arabs, Turks, Shabakis, and Mandeans, making this a beautiful and unique mix of people living harmoniously in one city. The extensive history of the region, and the civilisations of its past, can be found spread across the area of the city. At the heart lies the Citadel of Erbil, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the jewel of Erbil's heritage. Apart from exploring the numerous stories that the Citadel tells, it serves as one of the best places in the city for sunset. Erbil is an amazing city to get an insight into all kinds of Arab races and cultures, particularly the Kurdish culture. The Kurdish Textile Museum is devoted solely to Kurdish-produced textiles, while also enlightening visitors on the intricacies of the rich culture. An ethnically and religiously diverse city, you will find a mixture of mosques and churches and other sites of worship. The St. Joseph's Cathedral in Ankawa, while being one of the major churches of the city is also an architectural delight, exhibiting the region's classic facade and architectural style. Deemed the Arab Tourism Capital by the Arab Council of Tourism, Erbil has been designated one of the safest cities in the world.