Erbil Citadel

　　    Erbil Citadel is located in the old city of Erbil, the capital of Erbil Governorate in Iraq. Its history dates back to the 5th millennium BC, or even earlier. It was first mentioned in historical records during the Third Dynasty of Ur and played a significant role during the Neo-Assyrian period. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.

　　    The citadel is oval in shape, with a height ranging between 25 and 32 meters, covering an area of 102,000 square meters. In the early 20th century, it housed three mosques, two schools, and a bathhouse inside. Before 1957, it also had a synagogue. Currently, the only surviving structure is the Mulla Afandi Mosque. This citadel is one of the finest ancient monuments and historic sites in northern Iraq. Its height gradually increased over time, eventually rising above the level of the surrounding plain.

　　    The currently inhabited area of the citadel was originally built by the Babylonians and Assyrians, serving as the political and religious center of the Assyrians. It went through the Persian Empire, the Greek Empire, the Sassanian Empire, and finally came under the Islamic Empire.

　　    Erbil Citadel Reason to Visit: Added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 Continent: Asia Country/Region: Iraq Province/State: Erbil Province City: Erbil