The restoration of Erbil Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited settlements, is approaching its final stages under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

Engineer Falah Hassan, Acting Chairman of the High Commission for the Restoration of Erbil Castle, announced significant progress in the restoration efforts. "So far, 10,600 square meters of the castle's main street and several other streets have been paved to meet global cultural standards for historical preservation. The process is in its final stage," Hassan stated.

Additionally, the restoration of the castle’s historic bath, believed to be the oldest in Erbil, will soon be completed. The project has received financial support from the United States government.

The next phase of the project will include the installation of streetlights, seating areas, and the planting of trees to enhance the environment. Plans are also underway to renovate the castle's 506 historic houses and introduce new attractions, including a cultural café, restaurant, and hotel, to bolster tourism.

Erbil Castle, which spans 110,000 square meters, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in June 2014. Historical records indicate that the site has been continuously inhabited for over 6,000 years, making it a focal point of cultural and historical significance in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

As the restoration nears completion, the castle is expected to open its doors to tourists, offering an enriched experience of its storied past and vibrant cultural future.