Erbil Airport: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow A state of the art new Erbil Airport has been constructed at Erbil to accommodate for potential tourism that shall bloom in the area once Iraq returns to normal. Since Erbil is a part of Kurdish Region, it is safer and ready to be travelled. Erbil Citadel can rightly be referred to as the historical centre of Kurdish Region of Iraq. The rich and vibrant history of Erbil Citadel has led many an international organisations including World Mound Fund and UNESCO to take notice of the site and press for further research into the intricate history of the Citadel and its connection with the present. This has propelled travel to Erbil. There is a bus route available for travelling to Erbil via Turkey. However, most of the archaeologists or history buffs prefer to travel via airline. Erbil International Airport has hence been established as a new landmark to accommodate such an influx. The airport operated under the tagline that “Erbil is the crossroad of World’s Skies.” Almost all the international airlines have their routes fixed. However, most of the connecting flights are via the Middle Eastern Countries. The history of Erbil airport is such that till 2003 it was being operated as a military base. However, post liberation of the Kurds, it was transformed into an airport. The growing demand doesn’t just come from tourism but also from return of expatriates who had initially fled due to the security concerns in Iraq. Erbil is rich in oil, gas and mineral resources and is the rightful choice for many to return back and take part in the potentially blooming economy of Erbil. Erbil airport has been constructed keeping in mind this very factor and provides all the facilities that are found in an airport of international standing. The main attraction of Erbil still remains the citadel attracting many archaeologists and historians to its doorsteps. Realizing the true historical worth of Erbil Citadel, in 2007, the High commission for Erbil citadel Revitalisation began working in conjunction with UNESCO. An official agreement with UNESCO was signed in September 2007 to advise the Commission on this project and to prepare a "Conservation Master Plan" for the Citadel. It is hoped that soon the Citadel will undergo systematic and careful measures and actions for its restoration, rehabilitation, and revitalization. Part of the effort has already commenced. Currently the Erbil Citadel has been fully evacuated with the exception of one family only. The purpose is to completely renovate the entire town situated on Erbil Citadel. Historical sites shall be preserved and renovation work will take place. The architectural theme of the town will be streamlined so that it gives one particular architectural feel only. Post renovation the plan includes that only 50 families shall be allowed to reside. The urban makeup of these 50 families is not yet known. However, it has been agreed that it will primarily an urban and historical town. The old Mulla Afandi Masjid shall remain the way it is. To put it words of Michelmore, an appreciator of history, Erbil Citadel can be described in the following words:- “Erbil is the only place in the world that can give you an idea of what it might have been like to walk in the streets 4,000 years ago,” says Michelmore.
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.