Erbil Citadel Renovation “to Be Accelerated”

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has given an update on the renovation of Erbil Citadel.

The 6,000-year-old site was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2014.

• One of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements, with over 6,000 years of history.
• Covers 110,000 square meters.
• Includes 506 houses.

Completed Work:

• Stone paving: 10,600 square meters completed (main street and alleys).
• Historic bath (hammam): Restoration nearly finished with funding from the U.S. government.

Ongoing and Upcoming Plans:

• Installation of seating and lighting.
• Planting of trees.
• Renovation of the square in front of the citadel’s main entrance.
• Restoration of the citadel’s houses to enhance visitor experiences.

Future Development:

• Establishing teahouses, a hotel, and restaurants within the citadel.
• Making the site accessible for day and night visits.

Full statement from KRG:

Erbil Citadel Renovation to Be Accelerated: Reviving the World’s Oldest Inhabited Landmark with Global Heritage Standards

The renovation of the Erbil Citadel, supervised by Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, is progressing steadily. The restoration efforts, adhering to global cultural heritage standards, are nearing completion for the citadel’s main street and several alleys. Future plans include establishing teahouses, a hotel, and restaurants within the site.

Falah Hassan, Acting Chairman of the High Commission for the Citadel’s Restoration, announced that 10,600 square metres of stone paving has been completed on the main street and alleyways. He also highlighted that the restoration of the citadel’s historic bath (hammam) is nearly finished, with funding provided by the United States government.

The next phase of the project includes installing seating and lighting, planting trees, and renovating the square in front of the citadel’s main entrance. Additionally, restoration work on the citadel’s houses will enhance the visitor experience. Once complete, the site will welcome visitors both day and night.

In June 2014, the Erbil Citadel was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognising its status as one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. Historical sources indicate that the citadel has been inhabited for over 6,000 years.

Located in the heart of Erbil, it covers 110,000 square metres and includes 506 houses. Over centuries, the citadel has served as a hub for ancient civilisations and a symbol of coexistence among diverse ethnic and religious communities.

(Source: KRG)