Visiting Kurdistan: What Do People Who Visit Like?

After having recently written a blog post about the 6 reasons you should NOT visit Iraqi Kurdistan, I felt it was time to give a more nuanced perspective of Iraqi Kurdistan, and also touch upon what people that visit Kurdistan likes, myself included. Although, I am still of the opinion that Iraqi Kurdistan has been oversold by bloggers and Youtubers, I do however believe that there are good reasons to visit Iraqi Kurdistan.

People like the fact that visiting Kurdistan breaks a lot of the misconceptions that they generally have about Iraq. Iraqi Kurdistan is also a safe place to visit in comparison with Federal Iraq. Also, some of the best nature in the country can be found in Iraqi Kurdistan, especially during spring when the otherwise desert landscape turns green. Moreover, the Kurdish people are very hospitable, so don’t be surprised if you get invited for tea by the locals.

In this blog post, I will break down for you what I liked about Iraqi Kurdistan and what I believe that a majority of people who visit Iraqi Kurdistan likes.

Why Is Iraqi Kurdistan Different From Iraq?

First thing is first, why are we talking about Iraqi Kurdistan and how does it differ from the rest of Iraq?

Iraqi Kurdistan is a region in northern Iraq, mainly populated by the Kurds. Despite Iraqi Kurdistan is not being a its own country, the region is autonomous and is governed by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), which allows for self-administration in various aspects including its own military forces (Peshmerga), legislative body, and economic policies. The Kurdish population have their own unique language and distinct cultural identity which differs from other parts of Iraq, which has a majority Arab population. Geographically, Kurdistan is characterized by mountainous terrain and a cooler, more temperate climate, contrasting with the desert landscapes typical of much of Iraq. Although being part of Iraq, Kurdistan maintains a degree of separateness, evident in its own flag, national anthem, and even a separate visa policy for international visitors.

1. Kurds Are Very Hospitable

Something you will notice straight away is that hospitality is a cornerstone of the Kurdish culture. Don’t be surprised if you are invited by a stranger for tea. This happened on several occasions during my trip to Iraqi Kurdistan. Since this part of the world doesn’t receive that many tourists, locals are often curious about you and will occasionally want to have their picture taken with you. If you are used to traveling to more unexplored parts of the world, this will be nothing you to you.

Another thing that sets Kurdistan apart, is that you can walk around the local bazaars, largely unbothered by sellers, trying to sell you something that you don’t need. This differs largely from my experience of more touristy regions in the Middle East, such as Eqypt.

Do note: Kurds usually like to show their hospitality by offering you, as a foreigner, something for free, for example a free taxi ride or free fruits when you are shopping, this is however only local customs trying to welcome you as a foreign. However the most appropriate response is to insist on paying for your own things.

2. Iraqi Kurdistan Breaks Your Misconceptions About Iraq

Traveling to Iraqi Kurdistan will without doubt, break many of the misconceptions you have about Iraq. Before my visit, I perceived Iraq as an underdeveloped, war-torn country with strict Islamic laws, where women predominantly wear niqabs, and alcohol is banned. This is, however, far from the truth in Iraqi Kurdistan and you will notice it straight away.

Although predominantly Muslim, the region is more secular than other parts of Iraq, reflected in its legal system, which advocates improved women’s rights and permits the sale and consumption of alcohol. During my stay, I often saw women in regular jeans, without veils covering their hair or face. The Christian district of Ankawa in Erbil, is a proof of this liberal attitude, with bars and liquor stores in every corner.

Sulaymaniyah and Erbil, the two major cities, are surprisingly modern, with luxury cars and numerous upscale apartment complexes and housing areas — an unexpected sight in Iraq.

3. It’s One Of The Safest Places In The Middle East.

Despite the frequent association of Iraq with war, suicide bombings, ISIS, and civil unrest in the news, these issues are predominantly confined to the federal part of Iraq, not Iraqi Kurdistan. While the region has its instabilities, including frequent military checkpoints in the countryside, Iraqi Kurdistan remains a safe travel destination and is among the safest regions in the Middle East.

During the 2003 US invasion, Iraqi Kurdistan experienced no direct combat. A no-fly zone, enforced by the United States and its allies since the end of the Gulf War in 1991, provided a safe haven for Kurds and limited Saddam Hussein’s influence in the area.

The Kurdish army, Peshmerga, successfully kept Iraqi Kurdistan safe during 2014-2017 when ISIS occupied large parts of Iraq, including Mosul, located just an hour and a half from the Kurdish capital, Erbil.

4. It Has The Best Nature In Iraq

The natural landscape of Iraqi Kurdistan is quite distinct from other parts of Iraq. Iraqi Kurdistan is known for its mountainous terrain, a stark contrast to the flat, desert plains that dominate much of the rest of Iraq. The Zagros mountain range, running through the region and extending into Turkey and Iran, influences its climate. Although summer temperatures can be intense (around 40°C or 100°F), the higher elevation results in milder temperatures than in other Iraqi parts, especially noticeable in Sulaymaniyah. Winters and springs bring considerable rainfall, turning the landscape lush and green in springtime.

Thanks to Iraqi Kurdistan’s green and mountainous terrain, Iraqi Kurdistan attracts numerous tourists from federal Iraq in spring, before summer temperatures become unbearable.

5. You Will Leave With A New Perspective

Although Iraqi Kurdistan is probably not a region that I will return back for any time soon, it was well worth all the money spent and more. Why? It brought me closer to my goal of visiting every country in the world and, more importantly, it broadened my perspective on Iraq, the Kurds, and their culture. Gaining such insight, I believe, is the essence of why we travel.

So, when your colleagues or friends next engage in discussions about the Kurds, Kurdistan, or Iraq, you’ll be able to offer a more nuanced perspective that extends beyond the typical narratives found in the news.