Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
travel blogs, backpackiraq on twitter
A great travel blog from Joe, a Canadian who recently travelled through Iraqi Kurdistan. There are some fantastic photos from the various cities and the countryside around Halabja too.
His directions to the Red House Prison, aka. the torture museum, aka. the Amna Surka is "about 5 blocks west and 2 blocks north of the main pedestrian market street."
Importantly, he says "A recent law change ensures that it is now impossible to visit Arab controlled Iraq with the Kurdish issued visa. Much to my disappointment."
Even though I understand Baghdad and many parts of southern Iraq are generally safer than they were (that is, it's less likely you will get hit by a bomb), Mosul and Kirkuk still seem quite dangerous according to news reports.
For the Spanish speakers out there, there is a blog that describes a trip to Iraqi Kurdistan. But for the non-spanish speakers, it has a ton of great photos from Kurdistan. Worth a look.
You can now find backpackiraq on twitter. Other twitters related to Kurdistan and Iraq are:
American Voices, a group doing music/arts projects in Kurdistan among other locations,
Barham Salih, the Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister, taking democracy to the people via twitter,
Salam Pax, the blogger from Baghdad.
His directions to the Red House Prison, aka. the torture museum, aka. the Amna Surka is "about 5 blocks west and 2 blocks north of the main pedestrian market street."
Importantly, he says "A recent law change ensures that it is now impossible to visit Arab controlled Iraq with the Kurdish issued visa. Much to my disappointment."
Even though I understand Baghdad and many parts of southern Iraq are generally safer than they were (that is, it's less likely you will get hit by a bomb), Mosul and Kirkuk still seem quite dangerous according to news reports.
For the Spanish speakers out there, there is a blog that describes a trip to Iraqi Kurdistan. But for the non-spanish speakers, it has a ton of great photos from Kurdistan. Worth a look.
You can now find backpackiraq on twitter. Other twitters related to Kurdistan and Iraq are:
American Voices, a group doing music/arts projects in Kurdistan among other locations,
Barham Salih, the Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister, taking democracy to the people via twitter,
Salam Pax, the blogger from Baghdad.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Some news articles from last month:
The Dallas Morning News has an article on the first official tour group to visit Iraq's major historic sites since mid-2003. Hinterland Travel ran the tour:
Insurance, which is not provided by the company, is nearly impossible to come by. For that reason, the tourists tend to be on the older side because they have financial support networks and, Hann said, "because in the end you've been to places and you don't really worry as much, if you know what I mean."
Iraqi officials said they expect more tourists and Koa Van Chung, from New York City, agrees.
"Sure, there's military checkpoints, there's bureaucracy ... but in a few years this could be a viable tourist spot," he said.
Over 4,000 ancient artifacts have been dug up in the past two years on 19 ancient sites in Iraq:
The Iraq Museum has opened its doors to visitors but the pieces on show are only a fraction of what the museum had on display prior to U.S. invasion.
However, Taqani said more than 50,000 original museum pieces were still locked in secure areas.
Antiquities Department officials say they will have them displayed once conditions return to normal in the country.
AFP reports that Iraq plans to open a Saddam Hussein museum:
"We will look for a big building. I think one of the presidential palaces in Baghdad probably will be the place of the museum," said Talqani, noting that clothes, documents and various gifts given to Saddam by foreign leaders were among the possessions.
I'm not sure if the museum will be to remind people of the horrors of his rule (like the torture museum in Sulaymaniyah), or rather the so-called glories of it:
"They will be displayed for all the people of Iraq, future generations and visitors from of all over the world to admire."
Meanwhile the Christian community in Iraq is at risk of total decimation, the KRG is consolidating its separate parts, bombings are still going off in Baghdad here and there, and several gay Iraqi men have been killed recently after being disowned by family. And, I would guess, killed by the family to restore their honour.
And lastly the British Business Secretary Peter Mandelson led a delegation to Iraq to investigate investment opportunities.
The Dallas Morning News has an article on the first official tour group to visit Iraq's major historic sites since mid-2003. Hinterland Travel ran the tour:
Insurance, which is not provided by the company, is nearly impossible to come by. For that reason, the tourists tend to be on the older side because they have financial support networks and, Hann said, "because in the end you've been to places and you don't really worry as much, if you know what I mean."
Iraqi officials said they expect more tourists and Koa Van Chung, from New York City, agrees.
"Sure, there's military checkpoints, there's bureaucracy ... but in a few years this could be a viable tourist spot," he said.
Over 4,000 ancient artifacts have been dug up in the past two years on 19 ancient sites in Iraq:
The Iraq Museum has opened its doors to visitors but the pieces on show are only a fraction of what the museum had on display prior to U.S. invasion.
However, Taqani said more than 50,000 original museum pieces were still locked in secure areas.
Antiquities Department officials say they will have them displayed once conditions return to normal in the country.
AFP reports that Iraq plans to open a Saddam Hussein museum:
"We will look for a big building. I think one of the presidential palaces in Baghdad probably will be the place of the museum," said Talqani, noting that clothes, documents and various gifts given to Saddam by foreign leaders were among the possessions.
I'm not sure if the museum will be to remind people of the horrors of his rule (like the torture museum in Sulaymaniyah), or rather the so-called glories of it:
"They will be displayed for all the people of Iraq, future generations and visitors from of all over the world to admire."
Meanwhile the Christian community in Iraq is at risk of total decimation, the KRG is consolidating its separate parts, bombings are still going off in Baghdad here and there, and several gay Iraqi men have been killed recently after being disowned by family. And, I would guess, killed by the family to restore their honour.
And lastly the British Business Secretary Peter Mandelson led a delegation to Iraq to investigate investment opportunities.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Babylon opening, BMI to fly London-Baghdad?
The ancient site of Babylon will be open to tourists from June 1:
"The city, located 85 kilometers south of Baghdad, was transformed into a military camp by American and Polish troops and a heliport was built on its ruins. The reopening will take place despite archaeologists expressing their concerns about further damages to what remains of one of the world's first great cities which is pending registration on UNESCO's list of protected World Heritage sites. Iraq's State Board of Antiquities and Heritage now says Babil's provincial government has illegal control over the ancient city, using it for tourism interests regardless of its critical condition. " - from PressTV, Iran.
Meanwhile British airline BMI is considering reintroducing flights between London and Baghdad, no doubt to cater for the large Iraqi expat community in the UK.
"Last week, BMI announced it was keen to re-establish flights between Heathrow and Baghdad as soon as the British government allows. "A small number of scheduled services are being launched within the region," says BMI boss Nigel Turner, "and it makes geographical and economic sense to add Iraq to our network."" - from The Guardian.
"The city, located 85 kilometers south of Baghdad, was transformed into a military camp by American and Polish troops and a heliport was built on its ruins. The reopening will take place despite archaeologists expressing their concerns about further damages to what remains of one of the world's first great cities which is pending registration on UNESCO's list of protected World Heritage sites. Iraq's State Board of Antiquities and Heritage now says Babil's provincial government has illegal control over the ancient city, using it for tourism interests regardless of its critical condition. " - from PressTV, Iran.
Meanwhile British airline BMI is considering reintroducing flights between London and Baghdad, no doubt to cater for the large Iraqi expat community in the UK.
"Last week, BMI announced it was keen to re-establish flights between Heathrow and Baghdad as soon as the British government allows. "A small number of scheduled services are being launched within the region," says BMI boss Nigel Turner, "and it makes geographical and economic sense to add Iraq to our network."" - from The Guardian.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
new tourism developments in Iraq
Saddam Hussein's bedroom isn't too popular for honeymoons. -from The Economic Times
Saddam's former palace was recently renovated into a luxury hotel and tourist attraction after being vacated by US troops in 2005. -from ArabianBusiness.com.
A $107 million tourism development in Basra has been approved. It will cover an area of 158 donums, or more than 39 hectares, next to the Shatt al-Arab. -from Basra Blog
Western tourists talk about their travels in Iraq. They travelled in areas including Kurdistan, Karbala, Najaf and Basra. -from NPR, link to radio story.
Baghdad's first motorsports meet in a long time was held recently. -from AFP.
And of course, another story asking can Erbil be the next Dubai? Dubai is now teetering on the brink of financial collapse after its property bubble burst. Lets hope any major developments in Iraqi Kurdistan are more economically viable.
Saddam's former palace was recently renovated into a luxury hotel and tourist attraction after being vacated by US troops in 2005. -from ArabianBusiness.com.
A $107 million tourism development in Basra has been approved. It will cover an area of 158 donums, or more than 39 hectares, next to the Shatt al-Arab. -from Basra Blog
Western tourists talk about their travels in Iraq. They travelled in areas including Kurdistan, Karbala, Najaf and Basra. -from NPR, link to radio story.
Baghdad's first motorsports meet in a long time was held recently. -from AFP.
And of course, another story asking can Erbil be the next Dubai? Dubai is now teetering on the brink of financial collapse after its property bubble burst. Lets hope any major developments in Iraqi Kurdistan are more economically viable.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Federalism an option
Obama's election victory is also a cause for celebration for many Iraqi Kurds, who appreciate Joe Biden's support for federalism in Iraq. A federal system is seen by many Kurds as the answer to managing deep rifts in the multi-ethnic and multi-religious country.
On the topic of federalism, the Kurdish DTP Party in Turkey recently published a booklet promoting the idea for Turkey:
"The 64-page brochure, titled "Democratic Autonomy Project" and printed in Turkish, English and Kurdish, proposes Turkey be divided into 20 to 25 regions with each region given the power to designate its own symbols and colors." (Hurriyet - English). This is seen as a way to protect Kurdish interests in south-eastern Turkey.
Joost Lagendijk, the co-chairman of the Turkey-EU Joint Parliamentary Commission, said the idea may find supporters in the EU.
The Iraqi Culture House has recently opened in Erbil, with the goal of strengthening ties between different ethnic and cultural groups in Iraq.
On the topic of federalism, the Kurdish DTP Party in Turkey recently published a booklet promoting the idea for Turkey:
"The 64-page brochure, titled "Democratic Autonomy Project" and printed in Turkish, English and Kurdish, proposes Turkey be divided into 20 to 25 regions with each region given the power to designate its own symbols and colors." (Hurriyet - English). This is seen as a way to protect Kurdish interests in south-eastern Turkey.
Joost Lagendijk, the co-chairman of the Turkey-EU Joint Parliamentary Commission, said the idea may find supporters in the EU.
The Iraqi Culture House has recently opened in Erbil, with the goal of strengthening ties between different ethnic and cultural groups in Iraq.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
New library in Erbil
The Zaytun Division of the South Korean army has now completed the US$4 million library set on an acre of land in the Sami Abdurrahman Park in Erbil. The library is expected to hold over 100,000 titles, greatly benefiting the academic community and all Iraqi Kurds with greater educational and research opportunities.
(Kurdish Globe)
(Kurdish Globe)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Oktoberfest in Erbil
In Irbil, a city 350 kilometers (217 miles) north of Baghdad, German beer house owner Gunter Voelker wants to dispel the notion that Iraq isn't a holiday destination. In the north, at least, beer is bringing people together.
"It is good to have an area here in Iraq where we can make this festival in peace with friends," said Volker, whose restaurant, the Deutscher Hof Erbil, ended its three-night celebration of the famed German beer festival early Sunday.
-Kurdish Globe
In other news, Turkey has been bombing PKK targets in the Qandil mountains in Kurdistan - be sensible if travelling in the mountain areas.
"It is good to have an area here in Iraq where we can make this festival in peace with friends," said Volker, whose restaurant, the Deutscher Hof Erbil, ended its three-night celebration of the famed German beer festival early Sunday.
-Kurdish Globe
In other news, Turkey has been bombing PKK targets in the Qandil mountains in Kurdistan - be sensible if travelling in the mountain areas.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Kirkuk & Mosul not exactly safe, Erbil powers up
Turkmen political party's Kirkuk office shot up (Hurriyet)'
Suicide bomb in Kirkuk (AP, Kurdish Globe)
Bombings kill 43 in Baghdad & Kirkuk (AP, Kurdish Globe)
Mosul is still freaking dangerous too, although it is claimed that terrorist attacks have been limited. (Reuters, Soma Digest)
But in much better news for Iraqi Kurdistan, Erbil is expected to have 24/7 electricity by the end of August, thanks to a new power plant financed by the Trade Bank of Iraq. (Kurdish Globe)
Historical Amedy (aka Amadiyya, Amadiyah, Amedi) city gets a write-up, in the face of social change. (Soma Digest)
World music day rocked Suly (Soma Digest), while apparently Erbil fashion is all about bling (Telegraph).
Meanwhile, a Kurdish expat in the US argues an absurdly protectionist line against foreign investment in Iraqi Kurdistan. (Kurdish Globe - opinion)
Suicide bomb in Kirkuk (AP, Kurdish Globe)
Bombings kill 43 in Baghdad & Kirkuk (AP, Kurdish Globe)
Mosul is still freaking dangerous too, although it is claimed that terrorist attacks have been limited. (Reuters, Soma Digest)
But in much better news for Iraqi Kurdistan, Erbil is expected to have 24/7 electricity by the end of August, thanks to a new power plant financed by the Trade Bank of Iraq. (Kurdish Globe)
Historical Amedy (aka Amadiyya, Amadiyah, Amedi) city gets a write-up, in the face of social change. (Soma Digest)
World music day rocked Suly (Soma Digest), while apparently Erbil fashion is all about bling (Telegraph).
Meanwhile, a Kurdish expat in the US argues an absurdly protectionist line against foreign investment in Iraqi Kurdistan. (Kurdish Globe - opinion)
Monday, July 21, 2008
news & articles
Another sign of hope for Iraq, a new airport at Najaf: Work resumes at Iraq refinery in once-violent area (AP)
Kurdistan Region enters trade show season (KRG)
There are more and more pieces on tourism in Iraqi Kurdistan, including news that a Californian travel company, Distant Horizons, has run a tour to Kurdistan with more planned:
July: Northern Iraq's Kurdistan Region seeks tourists (Voice of America)
July: Mountains and waterfalls: an unconventional holiday in “The Other Iraq” (The Economist)
June: Tourists embrace an unexpected destination: Iraqi Kurdistan (Voice of America)
May: Visit to Kurdish area is like leaving Iraq (Huntsville Times)
April: Treading lightly in Iraq (Telegraph)
Kurdistan Region enters trade show season (KRG)
There are more and more pieces on tourism in Iraqi Kurdistan, including news that a Californian travel company, Distant Horizons, has run a tour to Kurdistan with more planned:
July: Northern Iraq's Kurdistan Region seeks tourists (Voice of America)
July: Mountains and waterfalls: an unconventional holiday in “The Other Iraq” (The Economist)
June: Tourists embrace an unexpected destination: Iraqi Kurdistan (Voice of America)
May: Visit to Kurdish area is like leaving Iraq (Huntsville Times)
April: Treading lightly in Iraq (Telegraph)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
news
In another sign that Iraqi Kurdistan is open for business and tourism, clothing brand Mango will soon open a store in Erbil. Also, the Slemani (Sulaymaniyah) Museum is working to preserve Kurdistan's heritage.
Soma Digest interviews the Lonely Planet writer who recently visited Iraqi Kurdistan.
France has recently opened a consulate in Erbil as well.
There is still violence between the Turkish military and the PKK, with the most recent incidents being in Turkey's Sirnak province. Meanwhile, three German climbers were last week kidnapped by the PKK while climbing Mt Ararat.
An optimistic writer for the Kurdish Globe compares Sulaymaniyah with Los Angeles, while another article lauds the benefits to Kurdistan of the trade in second-hand clothing. And the region's pro-growth investment law is promoting more foreign investment in Kurdistan.
Lastly, author Andrew Collins has written a book about Kurdistan's role in the birth of civilization.
Soma Digest interviews the Lonely Planet writer who recently visited Iraqi Kurdistan.
France has recently opened a consulate in Erbil as well.
There is still violence between the Turkish military and the PKK, with the most recent incidents being in Turkey's Sirnak province. Meanwhile, three German climbers were last week kidnapped by the PKK while climbing Mt Ararat.
An optimistic writer for the Kurdish Globe compares Sulaymaniyah with Los Angeles, while another article lauds the benefits to Kurdistan of the trade in second-hand clothing. And the region's pro-growth investment law is promoting more foreign investment in Kurdistan.
Lastly, author Andrew Collins has written a book about Kurdistan's role in the birth of civilization.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Lonely Planet article
A new story on Iraqi Kurdistan has gone up on the Lonely Planet website. Don't forget to check out the great photo gallery as well- there are some spectacular photos of Amadiyah and mountain locations along the famed Hamilton Road.
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