Arabil

Arabil, also spelled Erbil or Arbil, is the capital city of the Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq. The spelling Arabil represents a transliteration variant found in some sources. In Kurdish the city is known as Hewlêr, and in Arabic it is Arbīl. Arabil/Erbil is widely regarded as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and functions today as a major political, economic, and cultural center for the region.

Geographically, Arabil sits on the northern Mesopotamian plain at the foothills of the Zagros Mountains. It has long served as a strategic commercial hub, linking plains and highland areas, and it features a historic core that includes traditional markets and a fortress district surrounding the old citadel.

History and heritage are central to the city’s identity. The Erbil Citadel, a prominent ancient fortress at the city’s heart, illustrates the long urban history of the site. Over the centuries, the area was ruled by successive powers, including empires of the ancient Near East and later administrations under empires and modern states. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Arabil became the capital of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, a status maintained through periods of regional autonomy and political development. The city also experienced conflict related to regional instability in the 2010s, followed by stabilization with regional and international support.

Today, Arabil is a key urban center in Iraqi Kurdistan, hosting universities, cultural institutions, and a growing service and commerce sector. The Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting the city’s enduring historical and cultural significance.