Archaeological sites in the Kurdistan Region
MON, 28 JUN 2010 00:34 Kurdistan has at least 1,307 known archaeological sites.
Among the most famous is the Erbil citadel, the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the world, which has been settled since 6,000 BC.
Another is the Shanidar cave, where nine Neanderthal skeletons were found dating between 60-80,000 years. The cave is in Bradost mountain, in Erbil province.
Contemporary history
MON, 28 JUN 2010 00:31 Some key moments in Kurdistan's history since the early 20th century.
The Kurdish language
SUN, 27 JUN 2010 21:32 Kurdish, the most widely spoken language in the Kurdistan Region, is in the Indo-European family of languages.
Kurdistan's cuisine
SUN, 27 JUN 2010 19:29 Fresh local ingredients
Fresh herbs are the essence of Kurdish cuisine. People also love to cook with an abundance of vegetables. Lamb and chicken are the primary meats.
Tourism: Unspoiled mountain scenery off the beaten track
SUN, 27 JUN 2010 18:40 The Kurdistan Region is an ideal destination for those seeking unspoiled mountain scenery and ancient archeological sites off the beaten track.
Hillside resorts and lakes
During the Kurdistan Region’s long hot summers, visitors and locals can enjoy the cooler weather of Kurdistan’s hillside resorts.
Universities in the Kurdistan Region
SUN, 27 JUN 2010 18:35 There are seven universities in the Kurdistan Region. The four largest are Salahaddin University in Erbil, the University of Suleimani, the University of Dohuk and Soran University. They offer studies in various subjects leading to specialised diplomas, bachelors and masters degrees, and doctorates. Two recently established universities teach exclusively in English. There are also a growing number of licensed private universities in Kurdistan.
Religious freedom and tolerance
SUN, 27 JUN 2010 18:19 The majority of people in Kurdistan are Sunni Muslims, living alongside Christians and Yazidis. Religious freedom is protected by the Kurdistan Regional Government.
Kurdistan's history until the 19th century
SUN, 27 JUN 2010 17:23 Some of the key events in the Kurdistan Region’s history up to the 19th century.
60-80,000 years ago: Evidence of Neanderthal man living in caves. From 1957-1961 nine Neanderthal skeletons were found in Shanidar cave, close to the Big Zab River in Erbil province just above the Kahlon-Rezan road.
Kurdistan's geography and climate
SUN, 27 JUN 2010 16:53 The mountains of the Kurdistan Region have an average height of about 2,400 metres, rising to 3,000–3,300 metres in places. The highest peak, Halgurd, is near the border with Iran and measures 3,660 metres. The highest mountain ridges contain the only forestland in the Region.
The Kurdistan Region's flora and fauna
SUN, 27 JUN 2010 16:43 On the craggy slopes of the Kurdistan Region, you will find low-growing trees, birds and wild goats. On the mountain ridges grow small oaks, juniper trees and mountain herbs, and in the stream valleys are poplars. Eucalyptus can be found in watered areas on the plains.
National holidays and key dates in the Kurdistan Region’s history
FRI, 25 JUN 2010 17:47 Key dates in the Kurdistan Region’s history
21st March: Nawroz, Kurdish New Year celebrated on the spring equinox.
5th March 1991: Uprising against Saddam Hussein’s regime, which began in the town of Rania.
14th March 1903: Birthday of Mustafa Barzani, leader of Kurdistan’s national democratic movement.
16th March 1988: Halabja Day, commemoration of chemical weapons bombardment on the city of Halabja. Flag and national anthem
FRI, 25 JUN 2010 17:35 Oh enemy, the Kurdish nation is alive with its language
It cannot be defeated by the weapons of any time
Let no one say the Kurds are dead
The Kurds are alive
The Kurds are alive and their flag will never fall
Why invest in Kurdistan?
FRI, 25 JUN 2010 15:01 The Kurdistan Region is an emerging market offering excellent opportunities
With a young and increasingly prosperous population of nearly 4 million, the Kurdistan Region covers about 40,000 square kilometres , around the same size as the Netherlands or Switzerland.
A stable security situation - not a single coalition soldier has lost their life nor a single foreigner been kidnapped in the area administered by the Kurdistan Regional Government. Kurdistan’s investment law: The friendliest in the region
FRI, 25 JUN 2010 14:51 The Kurdistan Region Investment Law was passed in July 2006 and an Investment Board was created to manage and promote investment. The investment law is one of the most friendly to foreign investors in the entire Middle East.
Kurdistan Region Investment Law
FRI, 25 JUN 2010 14:14 The investment law for the Kurdistan Region was adopted in July 2006. The law was debated and approved by the Kurdistan National Assembly, the Region's parliament, and ratified by President Masoud Barzani.