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WARNING: Travel to Iraq is unsafe and should be avoided. See the warning on the Iraq article for more information. |
Government travel advisories
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(Information last updated 23 Aug 2020) |
Kirkuk (Kurdish: کەرکووک, Arabic: كوكوك, Turkish: Kerkük) is a city in Northwestern Iraq also known as Kurdistan. Its population is ethnically mixed, and it is under the control of the Iraqi government.
Get in[edit]

Get around[edit]
See[edit]
- 1 Kirkuk Citadel (قلعة كركوك, Qal’at Karkuk). Dating back to 858 BCE, this citadel stands on an artificial mound, 40 metres high, on a plateau across the Khasa River. Several hundred families still live in the citadel.
- 2 Tomb of Prophet Daniel. One of many traditional burial places for Prophet Daniel, inside the citadel.
- 3 Qishla of Kirkuk (قشلة كركوك). This qishla, meaning barracks in Turkish, was built in 1863 to be the headquarters of the Ottoman army in Kirkuk. It is in disrepair.
- 4 Eternal fire of Baba Gurgur. More than 4,000 years old.
- Pirehmerd market (Bazari Pirehmerd).
Do[edit]
Buy[edit]
Eat[edit]
- Today Rest & Cafe, Baghdad Road. Typical Iraqi fare and traditional tea (sweet). Daily 10AM-11PM. +964 770 347 4444
Drink[edit]
Sleep[edit]
- Kirkuk Plaza Hotel, Baghdad Road. This one, rising like a sheet of glass off the desert floor. +964 773 088 0044
Stay safe[edit]
Frequent targeted bombings are still occurring in Kirkuk as of January 2019. If one must go it is wise to avoid all public gatherings. This includes markets, mosques and festivals.
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WARNING: LGBT Travelers: Militias have targeted the LGBT community in Kirkuk. Local police will not help you if you feel threatened for being gay. |
(Information last updated 04 Feb 2019) |
Go next[edit]
The archaeological sites of Qal'at Jarmo and Yorgan Tepe are found at the outskirts of the modern city.