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ERBIL CITADEL
The Oldest Continuouusly Inhabited Town in the World!
The Citadel Towqn of Erbil, which is located at the center of Erbil City-Capital of the Kurdish Regional Government in Iraq, is an impressive elevated settlement that has been continuously inhabited for some 6000 years! Its present fabric, however, goes back to some 100 to 250 years.
The almost circular town sits on a slopint earthen mound dome 30 meters high above the surrounding city below. Its area, which is slightly more than 10 hectares, is occupied largely by some 500 traditional brick houses designed around an internal open courtyard. Pedestrian circulation is achieved through a complex network of narrow and winding alleyways. Because of its imposing height, yellow-ochre color, and its solid brick perimeter wall, the citadel is perhaps one of the most dramatic visual and spatial experiences I n the Middle East.
Erbil Cidadel is an urban and architectural gem which must be visited in order to be appreciated. It represents a unique cultural heritage that deserves every effort to ensure its protection and enhancement for future generations. Recently, the HCECR (High Commission for Erbil Citadel Revitalization), was established and assigned with this historic and monumental task. Action is already underway!
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