One of the region nest duty free shops, delivering an exceptional travel retail experience Iraq IRAQ Is a country in Western Asia that bordersTurkey to the north, Iran to the east, Kuwait to the southeast, Saudi Arabia to the south, Jordan to the southwest, and Syria to the west. The capital, Baghdad, is in the center of the country. Jordan from the south west Syria from the west Turkey from the north Iran from the east Kuwait from the southeast Saudi Arabia from the south www.facebook.com/Iraqdutyfree +(964) (0) 66 256 00 83 www.dutyfree-iraq.com Iraq PROVISIONS OF IRAQ • Al-Anbar • Kirkuk • Babil (Babylon) • Maysan • Baghdad • Al-Muthanna • Al-Basrah • An-Najaf • Dhi Qar • Ninawa (Nineveh) • Diyala • Al-Qadisiyyah • Dohuk • Salah ad-Din • Erbil • As-Sulaymaniyah • Karbala • Wasit www.facebook.com/Iraqdutyfree +(964) (0) 66 256 00 83 www.dutyfree-iraq.com Baghdad Iraq Baghdad the capital of the Republic of Iraq, as well as the coterminous Baghdad Province. The population of Baghdad, as of 2011, is Aerial view of Baghdad approximately 7,216,040, making it the largest city in Iraq, the second largest city in the Arab world (after Cairo, Egypt), and the second largest city in Western Asia (after Tehran, Iran). According to the government, which is preparing for a census, the popula- tion of the country has reached 35 million, with 9 million in the capital. Located along the Tigris River, the city was founded in the 8th century and became the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate. Within a short time of its inception, Baghdad evolved into a signicant cultural, commercial, and intellectual center for the Islamic world. This, in addition to housing several key academic institutions (e.g. Tigris River the National Museum of Iraq House of Wisdom), garnered the city a worldwide reputation as the "Center of Learning". Throughout the High Middle Ages, Bagh- dad was considered to be the largest city in the world with an estimated population of 1,200,000 people. According to some archeologists it was the rst city to reach a population over one million inhabitants. The city was largely destroyed at the hands of the Mongol Empire in 1258, resulting in a decline that would linger Swords of Qadisiyah through many centuries due to frequent plagues and multiple Al-Kadhimiya Mosque successive empires. With the recognition of Iraq as an independ- ent state (formerly the British Mandate of Mesopotamia) in 1938, Baghdad gradually regained some of its former prominence as a signicant center of Arab culture. www.facebook.com/Iraqdutyfree +(964) (0) 66 256 00 83 www.dutyfree-iraq.com Kurdistan Iraq THE KURDS. WHO ARE THEY? Iraqi Kurdistan, the Federal state of the The unique cradle of civilization was home to northeastern area of Iraq has been praised the rst Kurdish ancestor. Archeologists found as a paradise on earth in Middle Eastern Kurds pioneered agriculture, weaving, pottery, literature. It is surrounded by rugged moun- and metal work. tains and beyond the rugged terrain, ravines and natural springs lays Iran to the east, However, somewhere in the glooms of history, Turkey to the north, Syria to the west and the Kurdish way of living became lost and it the rest of Iraq to the South. Kurdistan is wasn’t until atrocities shocked the world then simply the immense mountainous area every nation in the world asked, “Kurds? Who where the borders of Iraq, Iran, and Turkey Are They” join. There is a famous expression in Kurdish, “No friends but the mountains.” After centuries of Kurdistan has almost never had a country of conquerors in the region, the Kurds started to its own, although from 1920 to 1923 an inde- resist the repression. Kurds live within their pendent Kurdistan existed. The country was beloved mountains, in hopes to preserve their divided in 1923, between present day Iraq dearly loved culture, their treasured language and Turkey. They have struggled to be an and their precious lives. independent nation and after years of heav- ing ghting between the Kurdish opposition These days, Kurdish people are very friendly and the Iraqi government, the establishment and Kurdish culture is famous for hospitality and was the Kurdistan Region of Iraq was set in generosity. You can knock at anyone’s door and March 1970. Today, the capital is Erbil and they will welcome you in. On the street, they will the region is governed by the Kurdistan start talking to anyone and make friends with Regional Government. anybody. www.facebook.com/Iraqdutyfree +(964) (0) 66 256 00 83 www.dutyfree-iraq.com Kurdistan Iraq SPOTLIGHT ON CULTURE Many visitors journey through Kurdistan for the Biblical chronicles. Many abundant prophets like Nahum, Jonah, Habakkuk, and Daniel are all buried within the borders of Kurdistan. In Amadiya, an ancient city, the Magi (known as the wise) began their quest when they followed a bright shining star, appearing in the sky at that time. Kurdish culture lays into their historic roots. It’s the pride of its people and some visitor’s reason to journey to Kurdistan. Kurdish music and songs are epic in nature, which are ballads recounting the heroic tales of past Kurdish heroes. Kurdish dance is similar to those from Lebanon and the Balkans. Kurdish folklore dances distinguish them from neighboring populations. The beauty of Kurdish designs is the full of all-over oral motifs and geometric patterns. For whatever reason one decides to travel to Kurdistan, they will not escape nor hate the richness of Kurdish culture. www.facebook.com/Iraqdutyfree +(964) (0) 66 256 00 83 www.dutyfree-iraq.com Kurdistan Iraq ECONOMY Kurdistan has undergone immense economic growth Since 2003 the stronger economy of Iraqi Kurdistan since international sanctions were lifted. It’s quickly grow- attracted more than 100,000 works from other regions of ing into a regional economic powerhouse. Currently, Iraq. And since 2001, the per capita income was 28% Iraqi Kurdistan has the lowest poverty rates in Iraq. The higher than in the rest of Iraq. region’s economy is dominated by the oil industry and is Recently, the Kurdistan Regional Government has taken investing opportunities to span every sector, including steps to facilitate more opportunities. It has passed laws agriculture and tourism. The region has a more devel- and regulations, and promotes foreign venture. oped economy in comparison to other regions of Iraq, due to the relative peace. www.facebook.com/Iraqdutyfree +(964) (0) 66 256 00 83 www.dutyfree-iraq.com Kurdistan Iraq ADMINISTRATIVE Dahuk (Duhok) DIVISIONS OF KURDISTAN, IRAQ Iraqi Kurdistan is divided into three gover- norates; Duhok, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah. Each of these governorates is divided into districts and there is a total of 26 districts. Each district is divided into sub-districts. Governorates have a capital city while districts and sub-districts have district centers. Governorates of Iraqi Kurdistan: 1. Sulaymaniyah (Silêmanî) 2. Erbil (Hewlêr) 3. Dahuk (Duhok) Erbil (Hewlêr) Sulaymaniyah (Silêmanî) www.facebook.com/Iraqdutyfree +(964) (0) 66 256 00 83 www.dutyfree-iraq.com Kurdistan Iraq Largest cities in Kurdistan Region Iraqi Kurdistan refers to the three Kurdish northern Iraqi Provinces. The three Kurdish Provinces are Duhok, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah. While the city Kirkuk is largely inhabited and controlled by Kurds, it still is not under the rule of the Kurdistan Regional Government. CITY GOVERNATE Hawler Erbil Sulaymaniyah Sulaymaniyah Duhok Duhok Germian Sulaymaniyah Zakho Duhok Rewandiz Erbil Helebce Sulaymaniyah Ranye Sulaymaniyah Soran Erbil Semel Duhok Koye Erbil Akre Duhok While the Kurdistan Region has an increasing urban population, it has a signicant rural population. The following list is an incom- plete list of the largest cities within the three governorates which are currently under control of the Kurdistan Regional Government. Main cities of Kurdistan Region; borders of region are presented in accordance with ofcial view of Kurdistan Regional Government. www.facebook.com/Iraqdutyfree +(964) (0) 66 256 00 83 www.dutyfree-iraq.com Kurdistan Iraq Erbil and surrounds Khanzad castle on the Erbil - Shaqlawa road dates back to the Lake in Sami Abdul Rahman Park Soran Principality period when Kurdistan was ruled by a number of principalities. Rabban Beya monastery is a one-hour climb over mountain paths. There are two large highly engraved cave-like chambers that date back to the fourth century AD. Shaqlawa resort is 51 km north of Erbil and is a popular week- end and holiday destination with a great fresh produce market. Gali Ali Beg ravine and waterfall is 130km from Erbil, a popular place for recreational picnics. Bekhal Resort is another small Erbil citadel dates back 6,000 years BC and forms the original water resort 140km from Erbil and a short drive from Gali Ali boundaries of the city. Erbil is one of the oldest continually Berg. inhabited cities in the world. Pank Resort offers small holiday villas in a park with funfair • Sami Abdul Rahman Park is a large municipal park built on rides and attractions, surrounded by mountain views. the site of a former Ba’ath military base. Korek mountain ski resort, including cable cars, is the rst resort • Qaysari bazaar is Erbil city’s traditional market, selling of its kind to offer snowsports and modern facilities in the moun- household goods, food, textiles, gold and souvenirs. tains of Kurdistan. • Sheikh Chooli minaret in the western district of Erbil was built by Sultan Mudhaffarudeen and dates back to the early Islamic era. The minaret is the focal point for the recently developed Minara Park. www.facebook.com/Iraqdutyfree +(964) (0) 66 256 00 83 www.dutyfree-iraq.com Kurdistan Iraq Duhok and surrounds Saint Ith Llaha Church, just west of Dohuk, is the oldest Amadia Town church in the region and dates back to 500AD.