Download GPX file for this article
35.466744.3167Full screen dynamic map

From Wikivoyage
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Travel Warning WARNING: Travel to Iraq is unsafe and should be avoided. See the warning on the Iraq article for more information.
Government travel advisories
(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]

Map of Kirkuk

Get around[edit]

See[edit]

Map of Kirkuk
  • 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. Kirkuk Citadel (Q1144137) on Wikidata Kirkuk Citadel on Wikipedia
  • 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. Qishla of Kirkuk (Q7267921) on Wikidata Qishla of Kirkuk on Wikipedia
  • 4 Eternal fire of Baba Gurgur. More than 4,000 years old. Baba Gurgur (Q2671176) on Wikidata Baba Gurgur on Wikipedia
  • 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.

Travel Warning 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.

This city travel guide to Kirkuk is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!