Arbil Citadel

[Kit]

The Citadel of Arbil is an ancient citadel located in northern Mesopotamia, (northern modern Iraq), Kurdistan Region, in center of city of Arbil (Hewler). The citadel was built on layers of archaeological ruins which represent consecutive historical settlements, since the building of the first village in that place around the 6th millennium BC. The total area of this citadel is 102000 square metres (63+ square miles) and it rises 26 metres (85 feet) high on the ground level.

This archaelogical citadel witnessed the rule of many historical nations, like the Sumarians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Parthians, Sassanians and Muslims.

The Citadel is more than 8000 years old making it the longest continuously inhabited site in the world. This was made possible by the existence of abundant ground water, which has sustained the population throughout its long history. The Citadel rises 28-32 m above the surrounding city, and overlooks the wheat fields, which extend all the way to the Greater Zab River 30 km to the west.


But what makes this citadel unique is the fact that it is still inhabited. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recently announced the beginning of the restoration process of the Arbil citadel. Boasting one of the most ancient histories in the world; the citadel has been ruled by Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian and Islamic civilizations. During the Ottoman era, the citadel was divided into three areas: Atakaya, Tubkhana and Sarai.

Best Article But long! : http://www.christiansofiraq.com/arbilcitidelfeb37.html

http://www.gearthhacks.com/downloads/map.php?file=16089

[GlassCurtain]

Wow that's freaking awesome. Did you get any pics of the inside?

[Kit]

took those out of Scott's email. From what i understand you cant get inside anymore.