Erbil Governorate
The Ancient Citadel Capital & Modern Metropolitan Gateway
Erbil (Hewlêr) is the vibrant capital of the Kurdistan Region and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in human history, dating back over 7,000 years (5000+ BC). Crowned by its UNESCO World Heritage Citadel perched majestically above the central fountains, Erbil seamlessly unites millennia of civilization with high-tech development, world-class universities, luxury boulevards, and warm Kurdish hospitality.
Districts & Metropolitan Areas
The official major municipal districts (Qaza) comprising Erbil Governorate.
Erbil Central District
The metropolitan core housing the UNESCO Citadel, Qaysari Grand Bazaar, Minare Park, and contemporary commercial towers along Gulan Street.
Soran (Diana) District
Alpine commercial gateway encircled by Mount Korek, Mount Bradost, and Mount Handren, connecting northern mountain valleys.
Rawanduz District
Spectacular canyon capital famous for the dramatic Rawanduz Gorge, Hamilton Road, roaring Bekhal cascades, and Pasha Rawanduz history.
Shaqlawa District
A lush mountain resort town tucked at the base of Mount Safeen, celebrated for walnut groves, sweet honey, fresh springs, and summer tourism.
Koya (Koysinjaq) District
An illustrious center of Kurdish poetry, literature, and education, famed for the Qishla Fortress, Haibat Sultan Mountain, and Koya University.
Choman District
The alpine frontier home to Mount Halgurd (3,607m — Kurdistan's highest peak), crystal glacial streams, wildflower valleys, and Hajj Umran pass.
Mergasor District
Pristine forested mountain reserve along the Greater Zab River, home to the ancient Shanidar Neanderthal Cave and the historic Barzan region.
Dashty Hawler (Bnaslawa) District
The vast plain surrounding Erbil city, encompassing rapidly expanding residential towns and traditional agricultural villages.
Khabat District
Agricultural heartland nestled along the banks of the Great Zab River, famous for fertile farms and river fish.
Makhmur District
Vast fertile wheat belt and pastoral plains anchored by the historic Qarachogh mountain ridge.
Sub-towns & Localities
Prominent municipal sub-districts and vibrant town centers connecting communities across Erbil.
Ankawa
A vibrant historic Christian district renowned for St. Joseph Cathedral, Syriac Heritage Museum, lively night cafes, and multicultural harmony.
Salahaddin (Piramam)
Cool summer resort on the crest of Mount Safeen, dotted with pine forests, executive retreats, and breathtaking vistas of the Erbil plain.
Khalifan
Gateway to Geli Ali Beg waterfall, where alpine gorges meet cascading crystal mountain streams.
Harir
Historic agricultural basin with an ancient fortress mound, lush orchards, and scenic mountain pass.
Sidakan
High Zagros plateau town bordering Iran and Turkey, famous for wildflower meadows and honey production.
Hajj Umran
High-altitude border resort famed for snow-capped winter peaks, natural mineral springs, and cool mountain air.
Taq Taq
Picturesque river town on the Lesser Zab River, renowned for water rafting, fresh river fish, and pomegranate gardens.
Hiran
Mountain valley nestled near Safeen, famous for walnut trees, ancient dervish tekkes, and natural cold springs.
Galala
Alpine gorge town situated at the foot of Mount Halgurd, surrounded by apple orchards and mountain streams.
Kasnazan
Rapidly growing modern suburban hub east of Erbil with community parks and water reservoirs.
Featured Villages & Hamlets
Discover the timeless beauty, terraced mountain architecture, fresh cold springs, and agricultural traditions of Kurdistan's picturesque villages.
Barzan Village
The ancestral Kurdish village along the Greater Zab River, home to pristine wildlife conservation areas where mountain ibex and gazelles roam freely under community protection.
Wild Ibex Conservation, Walnut Forests & Barzan Memorial
Shanidar Village
Historic mountain village located at the foot of Bradost Mountain, directly below the world-famous Shanidar Neanderthal Cave where 60,000-year-old flower burials were discovered.
Shanidar Cave Sanctuary, Spring Waters & Fig Orchards
Mawilian Village
Perched atop dramatic limestone cliffs overlooking the Rawanduz river gorge with terraced stone cottages and panoramic canyon views.
Canyon Overlooks, Mountain Honey & Walnut Trees
Siktan Village
Enchanting green village tucked in a hidden valley between Koya and Shaqlawa, famous for natural cascading springs, cool shade, and fresh trout.
Fresh Spring Cascades, Vineyards & Trout Farms
Zini Werte Pass Village
Stunning mountain village nestled in the high pass connecting Rawanduz and Ranya, offering alpine meadows and panoramic mountain peaks.
High Altitude Picnic Meadows & Mountain Herbs
Armota Village
Historic Christian village near Koya home to the ancient Mar Behnam monastery, ancient olive trees, and tranquil rural vineyards.
Mar Behnam Monastery, Olive Groves & Grapes
Balisan Valley Villages
Fertile valley villages renowned for sweet pomegranates, figs, and resilient mountain communities who rebuilt their villages after tragic history.
Organic Pomegranates, Fresh Figs & Mountain Walnuts
Rust Village
High-altitude hamlet situated at the head of Rust Valley beneath snowfields, famous for ice-cold glacier water and organic dairy.
Glacial Streams, Kurdish Mountain Herbs & Honey
Balkian Village
Picturesque village located where mountain rivers merge near Soran, famous for stone bridges, shaded picnic lawns, and pomegranate trees.
Riverside Tea Gardens & Wild Thyme
Kanimaran Village
Traditional village built on the slopes of Mount Safeen, celebrated for pure sweet mountain spring water and stone-terraced apple orchards.
Sweet Spring Waters, Mountain Apples & Cherries
Landmarks & Attractions
Must-see historical sites, mountain resorts, and natural sanctuaries in Erbil Governorate.
Erbil Citadel (UNESCO)
Continuous settlement over 5,000 years with panoramic city vistas and restored mansions.
Rawanduz Canyon & Hamilton Road
Epic limestone gorge highway carved through towering cliffs.
Bekhal Waterfall
Roaring alpine cascade with riverside tea houses and traditional dining.
Mount Korek Resort & Cable Car
4km teleferik ride up to 2,000m peaks with winter skiing and alpine rides.
Shanidar Neanderthal Cave
World-famous 60,000-year-old archaeological cave sanctuary in Bradost Mountain.
Qaysari Grand Bazaar
Centuries-old covered bazaar famous for Kurdish spices, gold, textiles, and sweets.
Gastronomy of Erbil
Signature culinary specialties, mountain spices, and local delicacies native to this governorate.
Erbil Charcoal Kebab
Juicy spiced minced lamb skewers grilled over sumac charcoal with tandoor naan.
Shaqlawa Walnut Halwa
Rich handmade confectionery made with locally harvested mountain walnuts and grape molasses.
Zab River Grilled Fish (Masgouf)
Fresh freshwater river carp grilled horizontally over open wood fires with tamarind and herbs.
Other Governorates of Kurdistan
Continue your journey across all 5 major metropolitan and mountain regions.
