Islamic Tourism: The General Establishment of Tourism in Iraqi Kurdistan has published a tourist guide to Arbil (Hawler) Dohuk and Suleimaniyah.
The introduction informs would-be visitors that despite the onslaught against the region by Saddam's regime and the mass annihiliation of the Kurdish people the tragedies have now been converted into success stories of stablity, security and serenity and "Allah has bestowed upon such land natural wealth, charming vistas, mountains, valleys, water springs, caves and waterfalls".
The section on Arbil describes the citadel dating back 6,000 years where hundreds of families are now living in 506 houses. The Great Mosque and Citadel bath were built in 1775AD. The colour photos include Sheikh Chooli Minaret which was built by Sultan Mudhaffarudeen and dates back to 543-586AD. The spiral minaret is 21.5m high with splendid Kufic calilgraphy and the inscribed names of the Prophet. It was built by Masoudi Muhammadi.
One of Arbil's newest attractions is the park, opposite the parliament, dedicated to Sami Abdul Rahman who was killed in a suicide bombing last year.
Dohuk is the governorate of citadels, castles and caves while Suleimaniyah is a modern city between two mountain chains (Gwezha and Glla Zard).
The 79 page guide dsecribes hotels, parks, museums, bazaars and delightful tourist resorts including Shaqlawa, Gully Ali Beg Bekhal and Sarsang.
The archaeologist Vector Plass, has identified the location of Alexander the Great's famous Arbila Battle (330BC) near Bartilla Plain in the same place as ancient Kokmila. After defeating Darios III, Alexander crossed the Zab River and reached Arbil. He camped at Girdmamik Village where the remains of an old bridge are still visible.
Hinterland Travel is running tours to Iraqi Kurdistan (hinterland@btinternet.com). The publishers of the tourist guide can be contacted at kurdistan_tourism@yahoo.com
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