While modern Akre was founded by the Ottoman Empire (1877), the most commonly held view dates its origin to around 700 BC. The Kurdish Prince Zeid who named it after the Zoroastrians designation “Iakr” – meaning fire, founded it. Many maintain Akre is much older and legends abound that “Iakry” rose from ancient seas that once covered the region. Keeping in mind that Kurdistan is the “land between the rivers” and the “cradle of civilization” this may be more than myth. While religious roots trace to the Zoroastrians, the city has also had a significant Jewish populationand still has many Christians. There are over 700 archeological sites in the area including ancient caves, Zoroastrian Temples and old Christian Churches.
WHAT TO DO IN AKRE
Major shrines: Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Kilani, Sheikh Ismail Aluliani, Sheikh Ahmed, Sheikh, Mohammed, Sheikh BadiSurja, Sheikhs Kula Ka, and Sheikh Abdul Qader al-Kilani. Hiking and River Rafting: The area around Akre embodies some of Kurdistan’s most scenic valleys and mountains where one can enjoy exotic flora and indigenous animals. Zarvia Dji Mountain boasts ruin of an ancient Jewish site. It is important that an experienced guide be employed to explore the region by foot. Key Archeological Sites: Ancient Akre Citadel, Palace and Ottoman Houses (under renovation), Zarvia Dji (ancient Jewish).
Unfortunately, the Guide to Kurdistan is no longer available. Only a few of the 20,000 copies originally printed remain.
The exciting news is that we are introducing two unique guides-a revised edition of the Kurdistan Guide and the first ever full-color Guide to the Republic of Iraq. These two volumes will not only cover more than 500 archeological sites but also delve into the fascinating cultures of Iraq, such as the Yezidis and the Marsh Arabs.
The guides will be published initially in three languages, along with an electronic version, and will feature the latest mapping technology and other innovative features. While there are a few smaller guides to the region, none have ever presented Iraq in the manner in which these elegant two-volume guides will.
Upon completion, the Guides will be launched in several locations worldwide, including London, Washington DC, and locally in Erbil and Baghdad, Iraq. The launches will be coordinated with a public relations campaign aimed at bringing the wonders of Iraq to the world and the world to the wonders of Iraq.
The new set of Guides will be published in late 2025. Much of the production work has been completed, and we are now at a crucial stage of obtaining sponsors for this approximately two million USD project. Please sign up below if you wish to be notified when the Guide is available. t box. Click again or double click to start editing the text.
