Kirkuk

Kirkuk (Kurdish: کەرکووک) is a city in Northwestern Iraq. Its population is ethnically mixed, and it is under the control of the Iraqi government.

WARNING: Travel to Iraq is unsafe and should be avoided. There been terrorist attacks in Kirkuk, including suicide bombings, vehicle bombings and shootings that have led to many innocent bystanders being killed. If you must go, consult your embassy and see War zone safety.
Government travel advisories
(Information last updated Oct 2018)

Get in

Map of Kirkuk

Get around

See

  • 🌍 Kirkuk Citadel (قلعة كركوك, Qal’at Karkuk). Dating back to 858 BCE, this citadel stands on an artificial mound, 40 metres high, on a plateau across the Khasa River. Several hundred families still live in the citadel.
  • 🌍 Tomb of Prophet Daniel. One of many traditional burial places for Prophet Daniel, inside the citadel.
  • 🌍 Qishla of Kirkuk (قشلة كركوك). This qishla, meaning barracks in Turkish, was built in 1863 to be the headquarters of the Ottoman army in Kirkuk. It is in disrepair.
  • 🌍 Eternal fire of Baba Gurgur. More than 4,000 years old.
  • Pirehmerd market (Bazari Pirehmerd).

Do

Buy

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Stay safe

Frequent targeted bombings are still occurring in Kirkuk as of January 2019. If one must go it is wise to avoid all public gatherings. This includes markets, mosques and festivals.

WARNING: LGBT Travelers:

LGBT visitors should not under any circumstances travel to Iraq. Militia killings targeting the LGBT community have been on the rise in recent years. Local police will not help you if you feel threatened for being gay.

(Information last updated Feb 2019)

Go next

The archaeological sites of Qal'at Jarmo and Yorgan Tepe are found at the outskirts of the modern city.

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