Erbil

Erbil (Hawlêr in Kurdish and also transliterated as Arbil) is the capital and largest city in Iraqi Kurdistan, and the fourth-largest city in Iraq. It is one of the oldest continually-inhabited sites of human civilization, and is also a rapidly-growing and urbanizing center for the oil industry and NGOs in the Middle East.

Arbil Citadel from the 3rd floor of the opposite shopping center - View of Erbil Citadel from the 3rd floor of the shopping center American village in erbil 016 - View of American Village

Districts

• Old Erbil The historic and geographic center of the city. Home to most major tourist sights, including the Citadel, Qayseri Bazaar, and museums, as well as many government offices.
• South Erbil Neighbourhoods immediately south of the old city include Minaret Park, Shanidar Park, and Iskan Street.
• Northwest Erbil Brand-new developments between 60 Meter Road and 100 Meter Road, west of Ankawa include many of the city's restaurants and hotels, as well as Sami Park and many upscale villa and apartment communities.
• Northeast Erbil Developments east of Ankawa and outside 60 Meter Road include Erbil's three major shopping malls, hotels and restaurants, and sprawling, brand-new villas and apartment towers.
• American Village On the eastern outskirts of Erbil, this community contains a large number of foreign companies and workers as well as a popular café.
• Komari Where the stadium and Hawler Plaza Hotel are located.
• Ankawa Christian suburb to the north of the city and close to the airport, home to most of the city's bars, many hotels, and a large expatriate community.

Erbil Halal Travel Guide

How is the Climate in Erbil

Erbil has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Csa), meaning it has extremely hot summers and cool wet winters. January is the wettest month.

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• Hello Taxi Erbil's branded taxi company and has English speaking drivers, but at highly inflated rates. USD is accepted. From the airport to Erbil center the rate is US$15, to Ankawa $10.

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• "Street Taxis" Generic independent taxis which will take you most places in Erbil and Ankawa. Rates are negotiable, however, for a drive across town (15–25 minutes) expect between 3000-6000 Iraqi dinars. It is acceptable to pay at the end of a ride without negotiating the price beforehand.

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• Europcar Italian Village, Villa 137 36.185534, 43.962834 ☎ +964 (750) 7372288 Most of their rental cars have automatic transmissions.

What to see in Erbil

Citadel of Erbil - Citadel of Erbil Shanader124 - Shanidar Park Parki-Shar - Parki-Shar Jalylkhayat2016 - Jalil Khayat Mosque in Erbil

• Citadel of Erbil - قهڵای ههولێر, Qelay Hewlêr | 36.191261, 44.009181 Downtown - The Citadel an UNESCO in the centre of the city. It is a round structure, 30 meters high which dominates the old city and has been built upon seven layers of civilization. The total area of the Citadel is 110,000 m². The history of its building dates back to 6000 years and has been continuously inhabited since its founding. The fortress has seen the reign of many historic civilizations including Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. Other ancient powers including the Achaemenian, Seljuks, and Sassanians also dominated the Citadel before being finally conquered by the Muslims. The Citadel of Erbil consists of three main quarters: Topkhana, Saray, and Taki, with a total of 605 houses in the areas. Picturesque view from the upper floors of the opposite shopping center. As of November 2014 the Citadel was undergoing a major restoration. While visitors can walk to the top and see the main square and road and the back streets are blocked off. Construction and excavation make the views much less picturesque, and masjids were closed.

• Grand Mosque 36.19154, 44.00970 The Citadel - Erbil's historic central masjid, still open despite renovations on the Citadel.

• Kurdish Textile Museum - متحف المنسوجات الكردية | 36.190172, 44.009809 In the Citadel ☎ +964-66-25 11 660 Opening Hours: 09:00-17:30 Free entrance Kurdish Textile Museum Kurdish Textile Museum Hewler Citadel . Small museum that displays textiles produced in Iraqi Kurdistan, as well as traditional clothing and other artifacts. Located in a restored early-twentieth century traditional house.

• Mudhafaria Minaret | 36.185542, 44.000295 Minaret Park, several blocks from the fortress - The 36 m high Mudhafaria Minaret dates back to the late 12th century AD and the reign of Erbil king Muzaffar Al-Din Abu Sa’eed Al-Kawkaboori. It has an octagonal base decorated with two tiers of niches, which is separated from the main shaft by a small balcony, also decorated. Another historical minaret with turquoise glazed tiles is nearby.

• Quayseri Market 36.18843, 44.00911Across the street from South Gate of Citadel - Erbil's historic covered bazaar, built out of vaulted yellow brick. It is similar to many others found throughout the Middle East and North Africa, but with less tourism than most. Market stalls sell everything from affordable toys and pirated DVDs to bulk spices to fine jewelry and carpets.

• Jalil Khayat Mosque 36.2009793, 44.0189804 60 Meter Road, across from Royal Mall - Erbil's largest masjid, built in 2007 in a neo-Ottoman Style. Very impressive inside.

• Hawler Museum 36.1796643, 44.0128236
• Erbil Civilization Museum 36.17730, 44.01342 Municipality Street, near Francoise Haririr Stadium, 1 kilometers from the Citadel - Small archaeological museum run by the Erbil Governorate. The Erbil Civilization Museum is in the downtown opposite the City Hall. It is divided into three historical sections. Antiques are exhibited according to eras starting from ancient periods until advanced ages. The origin of some exhibits goes back to 5000 BC and reflects the patterns and ways of life in Kurdistan and Iraq. A rich library is adjacent to the museum. It is considered among the most prestigious and historical libraries of the city

• Mound of Qalich Agha - An excavation here in 1996 found tools from the Halaf, Ubaid and Uruk periods. On the grounds of Erbil Civilization Museum.

• Jalil Khayat Mosque - جامع جليل الخياط | 36.201065, 44.018547 - Jalil Khayat Mosque Jalil Al Khayat Mosque The largest masjid in Erbil, named after Jalil Khayat who took the initiative for construction, but passed away in 2005 before it could be completed. His sons finished the project in 2007. The masjid architecturally resembles the style of the Cairo/Islamic_Cairo#QQ9960324|Mosque of Muhammad Ali in Cairo, and the Istanbul/Sultanahmet-Old_City#QQ0541|Blue Mosque in Istanbul. It is widely regarded as having one of the most beautiful interiors. It relies on a combination of islamic architecture and al-Abbasi design, except for the domes which are of Ottoman design. Standing 48 m tall and the main dome with a diameter of 20 m dominates the masjid. It is surrounded by 4 half domes and 12 quarter domes. With an area of 15 000 m² and the masjid has a capacity of 1 500 to 2 000 visitors.

Parks

• Shanidar Park | 36.181482, 44.001159Across the street from Minaret Park - Shanidar park feats an aerial cable vehicle connecting with Minaret Park.

• Sami Abdulrahman Park 36.1918, 43.9845 Between 60 Meter Road and Gulan Street - Abdulrahman Park is Erbil's newly-constructed urban oasis, spanning hectares at the edge of the city. It includes gardens, a jogging track, and ample walking paths, is mostly well-lit at night, and is a popular local gathering spot on weekends and evening.

• Shar Park - Parki Shar | In Front of Erbil Catidal 36.189706, 44.009906 - Free Parki-Shar
• Peshmerga Park - Parki Peshmerga | Kwestan Quarter 36.221540, 44.033723 - Free

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Erbil

• Stroll around in the deserted city inside the fortress in the centre of Erbil. Hundreds of houses that appears to have been abandoned in a hurry. Walk into the court yards, sleeping rooms and bed rooms or up to the rooftop terraces to enjoy an spectacular panorama of Erbil or ponder what life might have been in this place before the inhabitants were repopulated.
• In season, see the Erbil SC football team play a match at Franso Hariri Stadium, south of the downtown. Erbil SC is a regular winner in the Iraqi Premiere League, runner-up in the Asian Football Cup, and beloved by many local residents.
• Explore Erbil's nascent local art scene at the Shanadar Gallery, in Shandar Park and then take in Kurdish, Arab, and Persian music at one of the many restaurant/show venues in the city.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Erbil

• Quayseri Market | across the street from South Gate of the Citadel - In addition to sightseeing, Erbil's historic bazaar provides good opportunities to negotiate for carpets, jewelry, traditional Kurdish clothing, and other handicrafts.

• Majidi Mall 36.19537, 44.06500 - A large, Asian-style shopping mall opened in November 2009, with stores such as Mango, Adidas (currently on the BDS List so for the time don't purchase any Adidas products), and Levis as well as Turkish and Gulf brands. Also has a very large hypermarket in the basement of the mall, and a food court at the top.

• Family Mall - 36.21007, 44.04626 100 m road besides Family Fun - The largest shopping mall in Erbil (and one of the largest in Iraq) with predominantly American, European, and Turkish clothing labels and other stores. Includes a movie theater and food court

• Royal Mall 36.2017444, 44.0202896 60 Meter Road - The most centrally located of Erbil's large, Asian-style shopping malls. Includes a popular food court as well as clothing stores

• Mega Mall 36.20780, 44.02641 Pirmam St, near Shorsh Petrol Station ☎ +964 750 742 9391
• Tablo Mall Kirkuk Road,Near to Franso Hariri Stadium 36.171411, 44.013611 ☎ +964 750 193 3330 Opening Hours: 09:00-12:00 Tablo Mall is one of the famous malls in Erbil City, it has 270 shops, a hypermarket, games hall for kids, furniture shops and many cafeterias.

• Langa Market - Bazari Langa | Peshawa Qazi (100m Street), Near to Rizgary Teaching Hospital, Erbil 36.185328, 44.037457 ☎ +964 781 057 7040 Opening Hours: 09:00-20:00

Halal Restaurants

Many good restaurants exist in Erbil. However and the vast majority serve ood/halal-poultry-dishes/ Halal Kebab and Chicken, with some Lebanese and Turkish Halal restaurants. Options for foreign food are limited. Most restaurants, except those in high-end hotels, do not serve soft drinks or accept credit cards.

• Iskan Street - Meal for two: 10,000 dinars/USD 8 - Popular street lined with affordable Kurdish and Turkish ood/halal-poultry-dishes/ Halal Kebab shops, as well as one of the center of (male) social gathering. Kebab are usually served with a soup, bread, and assortment of pickled vegetables.

• India Gate Two-Side Road, Ankawa - Meal for two: 25,000 dinars/USD 20 - Offers surprisingly good Curries and other British-Indian fare. Erbil has a large population of (Pakistani) workers, who run the restaurant and sometimes patronize it.

• Abu Afif - 60 m road near Ministry of Trade - Erbil's most famous bakery and confectionery, and stems out of an equally famous Baghdad bakery that has been open since 1973.

• Second Cup Jouhayna Hotel, 100 m road across from Empire Among the best places in Erbil for European-style espresso drinks. Also offers light sandwiches and an attractive space.

• Sandwich shops - Shops near the Quayseri Market offer a cheap, quick lunch of ood/halal-poultry-dishes/ Halal Kebab and bread.

• Abu Shahab Meal for two: 45,000 dinars/USD 36 - Intersection of Gulan Street and Ankawa Road An iconic (and physically sprawling) Erbil restaurant serving standard Kurdish cuisine (salads, soups, and meat-based entrees), as well as a popular spot for local celebrities.

• Saj Alreef Restaurant on Kirkuk Road and Gulan Street - Meal for two: 50,000 dinars/USD 40 - Serves a smorgasbord of standard Asian, Western, and Middle Eastern Cuisine. Like Abu Shahab, thit is a local icon and sprawling emporium.

• Tarin Restaurant Saladin Road, just outside city limits - Meal for two: 35,000 dinars/USD 28 - Features fairly typical, heavy Kurdish restaurant cuisine, with live music (Arab, Kurdish, and Turkish) and an attractive outdoor garden. Serves alcohol.

• Zahle Arabella Hotel, 60 Meter Road opposite Parliament - Meal for two: 35,000 dinars/USD 28 - Serves Lebanese mezzo and meats, in a more intimate environment than most Erbil restaurants and with attentive service. Serves alcohol.

• O'Caffee Ankawa Main Road, Ankawa - Meal for two: 35,000 dinars/USD 28 - Good Italian cuisine, including oven-baked Pizzas, good Pastas dishes, and Asian-style salad. Also has one of Erbil's better espresso bars

• Kebab Yasin (Main) 36.188956, 44.0083565 Grand Bazaar ☎ +964 750 461 6610 Opening Hours: 07:00-17:00 Meal for one: 9,000 dinars/USD 7 Good Middle Eastern, https://, excellent Kebab.

• Dawa 2 Mosul Road, Erbil 0964 36.1853, 43.9844 South side of Sami Abdulrahman Park ☎ +964 750 445 0330 - Particularly good local restaurant serving ood Meat Kebab. All freshly prepared, often in front of you. Thit is a large modern and clean place. Have a look at the 'rogues' gallery of well known people that have dined at the restaurant.

• Qi 21 Divan Hotel, Gulan Street - Erbil's only sushi bar, at the top of the Divan Hotel with panoramic views of the city. Prices are astronomical, but the sushi is good. Thit is a place to see and be seen, and attracts a wide range of celebrities and politicians. Serves alcohol.

• Onyx Divan Hotel, Gulan Street - Serves what could be described as nouveau Kurdish cuisine: lighter than typical Kurdish fare, with a mediterranean influence and focus on vegetables. Like Qi 21, it attracts a clientele of the Kurdistan Region's rich and famous. Serves alcohol.

• Greek Grill Classy Hotel, Ankawa - Meal for two: 85,000 dinars/USD 68 - Despite the name, is a steakhouse with Mediterranean accents rather than a proper Greek restaurant. The food is good, however, and prices are more reasonable than other high-end hotel restaurants. Serves alcohol.

You can buy a wide variety of none-alcoholic drinks, and drink at pretty reasonable prices in Ainkawa and the Christian suburb of Irbil. Just look for any of the local stores. A liter of Jack Daniels for about US$22 is cheaper than back in Tennessee where it is bottled! Remember that Erbil is a predominantly Muslim city: drinking in public is unacceptable and public drunkenness is frowned upon.

In addition and the bars at the major luxury hotels (such as the Divan and the Rotana) are popular gathering spots.

• Marina - Pretty expensive Great food!

• Deutscher Hof 36.224043, 43.995957 Ankawa ☎ +964 750 488 3981 - For German draft food. Features dancing and Western music on weekend evenings.

• Mamounia Sky Cafe

Noble Hotel, Erbil - Fruit cocktails, and and dancing at the top of the Noble Hotel.

• T Cafe Sports Lounge and Grill | Ainkawa exit road across from RRT compound - Opening Hours: 17:00 to late American style sports and lounge. Features plasma TVs with international sports.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Erbil

Erbil - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Erbil, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Erbil. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Erbil and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Erbil. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Erbil. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Erbil: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Erbil.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Erbil: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Erbil, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Erbil.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Erbil, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Erbil, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Erbil and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Erbil, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Erbil, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Erbil without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Erbil is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Erbil.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Erbil is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Erbil, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Erbil Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Erbil

eHalal Group Erbil is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Erbil. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Erbil.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Erbil ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Erbil. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Erbil, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Erbil are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Hotel below the main gate to the Citadel - Beds on terrace start from 5000 dinars/USD 4. Rooms 25,000-50,000 dinars/USD 20-40 One of the cheapest options in town. Numerous other hotels exist in this area or just west of it.

• Hotel Ali | Bata Street 36.188364, 44.007564 one street west from the main gate of the Citadel - From 20,000 dinars/USD 16 Basic but clean, shared bathrooms, squat toilets, Saturday TV.

• Lonia Motel | Kirkuk Road near the Tablo Mall. USD 80 Offers rooms which includes a bedroom, sittingroom, kitchen and bathroom. Free internet is included.

• Erbil International Hotel - 36.18125, 44.01142 Barzany Namr Street, across from City Council USD 200 Nicknamed "The Sheraton". Erbil's oldest high-end hotel, built in 2004, and centrally located. There are several relatively good restaurants in the hotel (including East Asian and Indian food).

• Ankawa Palace Hotel Near Residency Office in Ankawa. 36.23927, 43.99620 USD 150 It is nice and clean and the staff is very helpful.

• Noble Hotel 36.22183, 43.99436 100 Meter Road, Ankawa USD 175|

• Classy Hotel 36.22529, 43.99140Ankawa Main Road, Ankawa USD 200 Business-oriented hotel in Ankawa, popular with international Visitors.

• Tangram Hotel 36.14734, 44.01872 Kirkuk Road, South Erbil USD 200 Biggest hotel in South Erbil, close to Salahaddin University.

• Hotel Divan Gulan Street 36.197411, 43.977786 Gulan Street, near Sami Park ☎ +964 66 210 5000 USD 300 Major luxury hotel with several restaurants, popular bars and lounges, a duty-free shop, and large gym and pool. Along with the Rotana, a center of the high-society social scene. Higher security than in other hotels.

• Erbil Rotana Gulan Street 36.187120, 43.973836 Gulan Street and Mosul Road ☎ +964 66 210 5555 USD 300 Major luxury with spa and outdoor swimming pool, plus popular restaurants. Along with the Rotana, a center of Erbil's high-society social scene. Security is tighter than in other hotels.

Travel Next

Sulaymaniyah is an easy 2-3 hour drive. Described as the centre of education and culture in Kurdistan. The city features the best museums in Iraqi Kurdistan, good hotels and a number of pleasant parks including Chavvy Land. Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
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