Exploring Kurdish identity inside Erbil Citadel

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Tensions have been running high between Baghdad and the region of Kurdistan after a controversial non-binding referendum on independence was held last September. In a recent move, the Iraqi federal government has extended by three months a ban on international flights to and from the Kurdish region.

The Erbil Citadel is located in the capital of Iraq's Kurdish region, where people have been living for thousands of years. It's where many historical civilizations and their people have come and gone, including Babylonians and Assyrians.

Khalis Younis was born inside the Erbil Citadel, and runs Citadel Antiques. /CGTN Photo

Khalis Younis runs the Citadel Antiques. The shop is full of Kurdish traditional heritage items and relics. The 65-year-old has been collecting antiques for five decades. One of his favorite collections is an ancient Bible. He runs three museums outside the citadel.

An old Bible is one of Khalis Younis's most favorite items from his collection. /CGTN Photo

The citadel is considered to be one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world. In 2014, UNESCO included the place among the list of World Heritage Sites. It was home to 6,000 residents at its height. When the restoration work started in 2007, all inhabitants, except one family, were evicted. This single family stayed to maintain the citadel's status as continually inhabited.

Imam Shekh Mohammed preaches on Jummah Prayer day inside Citadel's Grand Mosque. /CGTN Photo

Citadel's ancient Grand Mosque is considered to be the oldest one in Erbil. Imam Shekh Mohammed says it's where his forefathers lived for thousands of years. On Jummah Prayer day, Kurdish people gather here from outside the Citadel to pray, just like what their ancestors did in the past. He said they are passing on this tradition and keeping the practice.

Flag of Iraqi Kurdistan flies inside Erbil Citadel. /CGTN Photo

The Imam says religion has taught Kurdish people to respect one another. He believes that’s one way people here define themselves and keep their traditions going.

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