The Erbil Citadel, a historic gem in the heart of Erbil, is undergoing a major transformation, with plans to turn it into a model tourist and heritage site in the Middle East. Nihad Latif Qoja, the head of the Erbil Citadel Restoration Authority, revealed that despite financial challenges and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the restoration efforts are steadily progressing.

Qoja explained, "Due to financial crises and the spread of the coronavirus, we lost about five to six years from the planned program for the Erbil Citadel. The work on the citadel requires a lot of attention to detail because the streets are very narrow, and not every vehicle can enter the citadel. The central street of the citadel is currently being renovated, and it will take about four months, with other programs in progress."

The Erbil Citadel boasts six sections, including a carpet and antique section, a stone museum, and an information center dedicated to the history of the citadel and the families of Erbil. Plans are in place for a variety of cultural and educational activities within these sections.

One notable feature of the restoration project is the rehabilitation of the large bathhouse in the Erbil Citadel, which is now 70% complete, thanks to support from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. The refurbished bathhouse is set to include several cafes and cultural centers, making it a focal point for visitors.

Upon completion of the central street's renovation, regular vehicles will no longer be allowed to enter the citadel, aligning with UNESCO's program. However, small private vehicles will be provided at the bottom of the citadel to transport patients and the disabled. Furthermore, a fee collection system for tourists is currently under consideration, subject to legal and financial regulations.

The head of the Erbil Citadel Restoration Committee stressed that an accurate estimate of daily visitor numbers after the restoration is yet to be determined. However, he emphasized that this ambitious project is expected to set a new standard for tourism and heritage preservation in the Middle East.

In addition to the citadel's restoration, there are plans to address the challenges posed by the surrounding area, particularly the deteriorating belt of houses. Qoja explained, "This is a challenging process that requires a lot of money, about 9 to 10 million dollars, and time. Some houses near the Serwan Cinema have collapsed. If we work on the belt and the houses in this condition, we won't benefit. We must repair the houses first, and then we should complete the belt. The best suggestion for the belt is to transform it entirely into green spaces."

The Erbil Citadel's transformation into a vibrant and historically rich tourist destination is anticipated to breathe new life into this ancient landmark, making it a symbol of cultural preservation and progress in the region.