📖 About Ankawa

Ankawa is a historic suburb of Erbil in Iraq's Kurdistan Region, home to the largest Christian community in Kurdistan. Predominantly populated by Assyrian Christians, most adherents of the Chaldean Catholic Church, Ankawa is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world and houses approximately 40 churches.

In a landmark 2025 development, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani designated Ankawa as a full district with expanded administrative powers. This recognition acknowledges the area's significance as a refuge for Christians fleeing persecution—particularly those displaced from Mosul and the Nineveh Plain following the rise of ISIS in 2014.

Today, Ankawa offers visitors from across Iraq and internationally a unique atmosphere: pedestrian-friendly streets, international restaurants (Italian, Indian, Lebanese), vibrant nightlife with bars and clubs, international schools, and the largest expatriate community in Erbil. Since March 2025, most Western visitors can obtain e-visas through an official Kurdistan portal.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Ankawa's economy is driven by hospitality, retail, and services catering to both locals and the international community. The district hosts many hotels near Erbil International Airport, international schools, and businesses serving the expatriate population. Recent development has brought new construction while maintaining the area's distinctive character.

Assyrian Christian culture permeates Ankawa life. The community celebrates traditional holidays, maintains ancient liturgical traditions, and preserves the Syriac language. Yet the district also embraces modernity—international cuisine, contemporary entertainment, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere that provides rare freedoms in the region. This blend of ancient faith and modern openness defines Ankawa's unique character.

📜 History

Ankawa's origins trace to ancient times, making it one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited places. The Assyrian Christian community has maintained presence here through millennia of empires, invasions, and upheavals. Churches like Mar Gewargis preserve connections to early Christianity in Mesopotamia.

Modern Ankawa's character was shaped by waves of refugees. Following the 2003 Iraq invasion and subsequent persecution, Christians too poor or determined to leave Iraq fled to Kurdistan. The ISIS crisis of 2014 brought thousands more from Mosul and Nineveh. The 2025 district designation represents official recognition of Ankawa's role as a sanctuary and cultural center for Iraq's diminishing but resilient Christian population.