In January I had the opportunity to visit Iraqi Kurdistan, an autonomous region in northern Iraq. Because it’s an autonomous region, Americans don’t need a visa to explore this area unlike Iraq proper. Here are my top things to see!
1. Lalish: Lalish is considered a sacred area to the Yazidi people and dates back thousands of years. Most Yazidis make a pilgrimage to Lalish at least once in their lifetime.
2. Amedi: “The City in the Sky” is believed to be the home of the Three Kings that visited Jesus Christ when he was born.
3. Akre: A town built on the side of a mountain range in the year 580 BC by the Kurdish Prince Zand and a beautiful lookout to watch the sunset.
4. Rawanduz Canyon: Close to the borders of Iran and Turkey, this area dates back to the Neo Assyrian Empire as a major trade route.
5. Amna Suraka: Also known as the “Red Prison” in Sulaymaniyah, it’s been turned into a museum to educate how many lives were lost in the Anfal genocide.
6. Erbil: The capital of Kurdistan, this city is a must-see to explore and experience the culture of this region.
