The name "Hewlêr" derives from the Kurdish word for "shepherd," reflecting the region’s pastoral heritage. Historically, the area has been inhabited for millennia, with archaeological evidence dating back to the 4th millennium BCE. The ancient citadel, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban sites in the world. The citadel dates to the Old Babylonian period and has been rebuilt several times by successive empires, including the Assyrians, Persians, and Ottoman Turks.
In the modern era, Hewlêr emerged as a political center in the 1920s after the British mandate ended. It became the capital of the Kurdistan Regional Government in 1992. The city’s population is estimated at around 1.3 million residents, with a diverse demographic composition that includes Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen, Assyrians, and Armenians. Kurdish is the official language, though Arabic and English are also widely used in administration and commerce.
Economically, Hewlêr serves as a hub for financial services, trade, and industry within the Kurdistan Region. Key sectors include oil and gas, agriculture, and a growing technology sector. The city hosts several universities, including the University of Kurdistan Hewlêr, which plays a central role in higher education.
Transportation infrastructure in Hewlêr features a modern airport—Erbil International Airport—that connects the city to Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. The city is also linked by road to Baghdad, Tehran, and Istanbul. A metro system has been in development to improve urban mobility and reduce congestion.
Culturally, Hewlêr is noted for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and galleries. The National Museum of the Kurdistan Region preserves artifacts that chronicle the area's rich history. Traditional Kurdish music and dance remain integral to community life, and festivals such as Newroz, the Kurdish New Year, are celebrated with widespread enthusiasm.