Citadel of Erbil, Ancient fortress in Erbil, Iraq
The Citadel of Erbil is one of the oldest fortified settlements in the world, rising on an oval mound about 30 meters above the surrounding plain in northern Iraq. The entire settlement covers several hundred meters and is encircled by a continuous outer wall that protects the densely built interior.
People have lived here since around 5000 BC without interruption on the same mound, which gradually rose through constant building and decay of earlier layers. The Neo-Assyrian Empire used the site between the tenth and seventh centuries BC as an important stronghold in the region.
The citadel contains three distinct districts - Serai for notable families, Takya for dervishes, and Topkhana for craftsmen and farmers, reflecting social hierarchies of past eras.
A central authority organizes guided tours through the winding alleys and building remains inside the compound. The paths can be uneven and some areas are still under restoration, so sturdy footwear and some time for a calm walk are worthwhile.
A single family still lives within the walls to maintain the tradition of uninterrupted settlement across thousands of years. This symbolic presence prevents the site from ever becoming completely uninhabited and interrupting its extraordinary history.
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