Middle East - Anthony Ham [192]
Since the 2003 US-led invasion, Erbil has enjoyed relative peace and stability, but there have been a handful of attacks. On 1 February 2004, a pair of suicide bombings outside KDP and PUK offices killed 98 people. Today, Erbil is one of the most developed and modern cities in Iraq.
Orientation
Erbil is 84km east of Mosul and 320km northeast of Baghdad. The centre of Erbil is the citadel, the city’s primary landmark that dominates the skyline. Major roads radiate out from the citadel like spokes on a bicycle wheel. A series of ring roads encircle the citadel; the closest is Qalat St, followed by 30 Meter St, 60 Meter St and 100 Meter St. The Christian suburb of Ainkawa and Erbil International Airport are located in the outskirts of northwest Erbil. Most roads are known by several names, so the shiny new blue road signs written in English and Kurdish are practically useless. Roads are most commonly known by their ultimate destination, so people will refer to them as ‘The Road to Kirkuk’ (Salahaddin St) or ‘The Road to Shaqlawa’ (Pirman St). When using taxis, it’s best to give the exact destination or a nearby major landmark.
Information
BOOKSHOPS
There are several bookstores on Qalat St on the west side of the citadel, offering a selection of Kurdish, Arabic and some English books and maps.
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PACK YOUR BAGS FOR KURDISH IRAQ
Mr Nimrud B Youkhana, Minister of Tourism for the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG), tells Lonely Planet why its time for travellers to consider a holiday in Iraq.
Why should travellers visit Iraqi Kurdistan?
Mesopotamia is the cradle of civilisation. We are a multi-ethnic, multifaith, multicultural country. But for the last 35 years, Iraq has been famous for all the wrong reasons. Nationwide, the situation is still not resolved, but for Iraqi Kurdistan this is an interesting time and place to visit. From many points of view, we are ‘The Other Iraq’. This part of Iraq is very different from the rest of the country. We have peace, security and low crime. It’s more peaceful here than in many parts of Europe. It is a virgin territory ripe for discovery.
What are some of the top attractions of Iraqi Kurdistan?
We have many archaeological sites, many not yet discovered. We have the potential for ecotourism thanks to natural attractions like our great mountains. It is a place for the adventurous. We have very few 5-star hotels and no beach, but it’s still an interesting place to visit.
What is the KRG’s strategy for building tourism?
Improving infrastructure and maintaining security are our No 1 priorities for the next five years. But there are chances for tourism projects. It will happen. We just need to wait for the investors.
How safe is it?
It is so safe that even American soldiers come here for vacation; they don’t need to carry guns or wear body armour here. Of course, terrorists are always doing their best to reach us. But we are always working on keeping our borders strong and improve safety and security.
How do you picture the Iraqi tourism industry in five years?
Up until the late 1970s, Iraq was known as a prime tourist destination. But then Saddam Hussein began all his wars with our neighbours and all that stopped. It’s going to take time, but it is going to be good again, I hope, very soon.
Mr Nimrud B Youkhana works as a tourism minister in Iraq.
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INTERNET ACCESS
There are several internet cafés located in and around the old bazaar.
Himdad Centre (Bazaar; 222 3248; per hr ID2500; 8am-midnight)
Internet Harim (Bazaar; per hr ID2000; 8am-10pm, closed Fri)
MONEY
The Central Bank of Kurdistan (cnr 60 Meter St & Qamishly St; 9am-noon & 2pm-5pm) and Rasheed Bank (Qalat St; 9am-noon & 2pm-5pm) can wire money anywhere in the world. Rasheed Bank offers MoneyGram services.
TRAVEL AGENCIES
Laru Travel Services ( 0750 455 4411; Erbil International Hotel; 9am-5pm) Can help book flights to and