From Erbil to Duhok, it is OK to take the main road.The summary of the security advice was as follows: While hot outside, it was cool inside and turned a little chilly as time went on I put it down to the grassed ground rather than concrete or tarseal. It was a large grassed open courtyard and I couldn’t believe the temperature drop walking in there. I met Ann and her two colleagues at 1900 at Teacher’s Club. I knew that it would cost extra but the bill was a shock at IQD7000 (about USD6) especially when my delicious lunch of a large chicken kebab with some accompaniments and water was only IQD3000 (USD2.50). I ordered a tea which came with water and pistachios. Time goes faster with internet so I found a cafe with Wifi attached to a hotel. I had an hour to kill before my meet-up with Ann. St George Church was nearby but despite being old and historic it seemed to be renovated and contemporary. With the latter, one can see a slight resemblance to Arabic at times but not at all at other times. I found the costumes and alphabets interesting.
#Erbil to sulaymaniyah taxi free
It was free to visit and had a collection of various as aspects of Syriac heritage of course, including costumes, farming implements, pottery, alphabets (there are three types varying through here, Turkey and the Levant), monasteries and important people.
#Erbil to sulaymaniyah taxi driver
I headed to Ankawa by taxi and helped the driver get to my destination at the Syriac Heritage Museum. She’s not allowed to take taxis and the regional ride-hailing operator Careem has been suspended for not paying their taxes. She was going to advise me on any security concerns in Iraqi Kurdistan over drinks/dinner in Ankawa, the Christian district where she lives. I had arranged to meet Ann, a friend of my Sudan hostel roomie, Marius. Flattery! I proceeded to take a photo and he shifted more USD100 notes in place for me! Then to the stalls with stacks of local currency, I took a photo but got face-palmed. This place must be less safe than Yemen where they keep stacks of them on the open table! I complimented the man as to how many notes he had and that he was very rich. I wanted a photo of how they keep so many USD100 notes in the cabinets. Heading back to them, I found the alley where there were lots more money changers. I had seen some money changers near my place. Leaving the bazaar, I followed the map but I I couldn’t locate the place.Īfter a delicious chicken skewer and a rest, I headed out again to try change my money. I needed to change USD100 into local currency to supplement the Dinars I had received as change last night for the taxi and hotel. On it was the money changers’ alley where one can see stacks of notes on the tables. I had found a map on the internet showing the various sights in Erbil.
Inside the Kurdish Textile Museum setup of a traditional home.Įrbil’s main square as viewed from the citadel. Looking up at the citadel from Erbil’s main square.
Walking to the citadel and bazaar man in traditional Kurdish pants. They kindly payed for my tea before leaving. They also travel to less common destinations but I think they do it in style. They had noticed me on the flight last night. I joined them for a cuppa and chatted with them. An old Scottish couple who now live in South Africa asked for the young man to open up the cafe. I took my time and enjoyed the air-conditioning. Inside the small unassuming building were two storeys of beautifully displayed rugs. I wandered to the the gate at the opposite end for a view of the other side of town before entering the Kurdish Textile Museum. But most of it is off-limits for restoration. The citadel has been inhabited continuously for the last 8000 years. I wish I had started earlier as it was rather hot after 1000. I meandered through the bazaars for a while before walking up to the citadel. The pools and fountains at the square weren’t operational at the time. The route from my hotel was through areas selling unattractive things like hardware.Īround the base of the citadel was the city’s main square and the bazaars. I found my way to the citadel area about 20 mins walk away. I wandered out after a leisurely breakfast for my first taste of Erbil.
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