Surrounded by mountains, Sulaymaniyah is an attractive city in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, not far from the border with Iran. The area was originally known as “Zamwa” before the modern city was founded in 1784 by the Ottoman-Kurdish prince, Ibrahim Pasha Baban. Between 1922 and 1924, Sulaymaniyah served as the capital of the Kingdom of Kurdistan following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.
Things to do in Sulaymaniyah
In the heart of Sulaymaniyah is the Slemani Museum, which showcases archaeological findings from prehistoric times to the Ottoman period. Marvel at the ancient Mesopotamian, Kurdish and Persian artefacts on display, with highlights including the inscribed stone blocks in the Paikuli Gallery. In the Narseh Gallery, you’ll find large busts depicting the Sassanian king.
To learn about life in Iraq under Saddam Hussain’s rule, pay a visit to Amna Suraka, a former prison that has been transformed into a museum dedicated to human rights. Hear about the Kurdish nationalists and students who were imprisoned here, together with secret police and soldiers. Within the museum is a memorial featuring 182,000 glass shards to commemorate those killed during the 1988 Anfal campaign.
Amna Suraka lies on the edge of Azadî Park, which is a popular recreational destination for Sulaymaniyah’s residents. Centred around a duck-filled lake, it features tree-lined walking trails, a children’s playground and a skate park. Kids will love the amusement rides while adults can play dominos with the locals at one of the casual cafes.
Getting around Sulaymaniyah
Sulaimaniyah International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the city centre and has flights to destinations across the Middle East and Europe. Long-distance buses connect to Sulaymaniyah while local services travel throughout the city. Taxis are also available for getting around.