arbil

Arbil, also spelled Erbil and known in Kurdish as Hewlêr, is the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and the administrative center of Erbil Governorate. It sits in northern Iraq, in the foothills of the Zagros mountains, and lies at the heart of the region’s political and economic life. The city is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world, with urban occupation dating back thousands of years. The old city centers on the Citadel of Erbil, a tell that rises above the surrounding streets and remains a symbol of the city’s long history. The Citadel was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.

Historically, Arbil/Erbil has been associated with the ancient city of Arbela, known from Near Eastern and classical sources. Over the centuries it has been part of various empires and cultures, including Mesopotamian, Median, Achaemenid, Hellenistic, and Islamic polities, contributing layers to the city’s architectural and cultural heritage.

In the modern era, Arbil serves as the political and economic hub of the Kurdistan Region. Following the establishment of the semi-autonomous region, the city experienced rapid development and urban growth, expanding infrastructure, commerce, and services. It hosts international flights via Erbil International Airport and serves as a focal point for regional administration, business, and culture.

Education and institutions in Arbil include the University of Kurdistan Hewlêr and Hawler Medical University, among others. The population is predominantly Kurdish, with minority communities such as Armenians, Assyrians, Turkmen, and Arabs. Kurdish and Arabic are widely spoken, with Islam the main religion and smaller Christian communities contributing to the city’s diverse cultural fabric. The climate is semi-arid, with hot summers and cool winters.