The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on Tuesday announced that the UNESCO World Heritage Site Erbil Citadel and the Choli Minaret will undergo an extensive restoration in order to preserve cultural and historical heritage.

“Both iconic landmarks are being carefully preserved to maintain their original character and to strengthen their status as major tourist destinations,” the KRG said.

The Erbil Citadel is being restored under the direct supervision of KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. 

Supervised by the High Commission for the Citadel’s Restoration, several major projects have been carried out over the past year, including the restoration of the historic mosque within the Citadel and the near-complete stone paving of streets and alleyways in a traditional style.

Furthermore, structural measures were implemented to prevent the collapse or deterioration of ancient walls and buildings, the installation of safety points across the site, the introduction of modern lighting systems along external paths and interior spaces, and preparations for the opening of a dedicated Children’s Museum.

Spanning 110,000 square meters and comprising 506 residential buildings, the Erbil Citadel will also feature a cultural teahouse, restaurant, and hotel — designed to offer an exceptional visitor experience.

Meanwhile, the Choli Minaret — rising 37 meters high and considered one of Kurdistan’s oldest and most prominent archaeological landmarks — is scheduled for restoration.

The restoration will focus on replacing damaged sections of the minaret’s exterior walls, filling structural gaps to improve stability, installing surveillance systems to ensure protection, and removing hazards from the surrounding area.

The goal is to transform the minaret into a prominent archaeological tourism site, welcoming both local and international visitors.