Erbil or Hawler Citadel (Qelay Hawler)

Qelay Hawler (Erbil Citadel)

Hawler is known for having a Citadel in the center of the city, along with a Minaret, Shekhy Choli Minaret, that's the reason they call Hawler as a "Shari Qela u Minera" which means, The city of Citadel and Minaret.

Hawler or Erbil Citadel lies in the middle of Erbil city. It has a round shape with its buildings and dwellings; 30 m high.

It dates back to over 6000 years BC. Hundreds of families live on the Citadel; there are 506 houses distributed over three quarters (Sarai Q., Takya Q. & Top khana Q.). They were built in artistic styles of architecture, particularly the houses of (Hashim Dabbagh Agha, Mulla Salim Chalabi, Ahmad Chalabi, Sheikh Jameel Ali Afandi, Haji Rasheed Agha).

Additionally, there are the Great Mosque and Citadel Bath built in 1775 AD. The Citadel was famous for having most of the idols and was a center for heroic deeds by the modern civilization figures; also, it was well-known as Defeated Holako's Castle.

However, normal life is still ongoing in the Citadel. As discovered by archaeologists, the Citadel holds many significant remains of various historical races; 5000 year-old relics can be found within its inside parts, but have not yet been researched fully.

Here some old pictures of Erbil (Hawler) Citadel "Qelay Hawler"