#992 Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq

Photo from Wikipedia

Hidden away in the midst of a bomb-ridden, war-torn country, Iraqi Kurdistan is a relatively safe haven of enormous historical and cultural importance. Erbil (also known as Arbil or Hawler) has archaeological remains dating back to the 6th Century BC and is one of the oldest inhabited cities on the planet. It's super citadel mound with wall are a contrast between the modern rambling suburbia of the rest of the city. It's amazing that there are almost no tourists or visitors, and that it's heritage and appeal are still only being (re) discovered.