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.
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