The Citadel of Erbil is located in the old city of Erbil, Erbil Province, Iraq. With a history dating back to 5000 years ago, or even earlier, it was first mentioned in historical records during the Third Dynasty of Ur, and played a significant role during the Neo-Assyrian period. In 2014, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The citadel is oval-shaped, with a height ranging from 25 to 32 meters and covering an area of 102,000 square meters. In the early 20th century, it housed three mosques, two schools, and a bathhouse, and up until 1957, it also had a synagogue. The only surviving structure now is the Mulla Afandi Mosque. This citadel is considered one of the finest ancient monuments and historical sites in northern Iraq, with its height gradually increasing and eventually surpassing the surrounding plain.

The residential area within the citadel was built by Babylonians and Assyrians and served as a political and religious center for the Assyrians. It went through the Persian, Greek, and Sasanian empires before coming under the Islamic Empire.

Erbil Citadel
Reason to visit: Added to UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014
Continent: Asia
Country: Iraq
Province: Erbil Province
City: Erbil