Aiming to boost tourism
Kirkuk heritage showcased to world through archive initiative
KIRKUK — Mustafa Mahmoud, a young activist in Kirkuk, is spearheading the Kirkuk Archive initiative, aiming to showcase the city as a prime destination for global tourists.
This project seeks to catalog and highlight Kirkuk’s heritage sites and tourist attractions in hopes of drawing international interest and possibly securing a spot for some sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Mahmoud’s vision has grown into an effort that now attracts tourist groups from across Iraq and beyond, all keen to discover Kirkuk’s architectural marvels and ancient lifestyle.
The Directorate of Antiquities and Heritage has backed the “Kirkuk Archive” initiative, seeing it as a means to stimulate the local economy and generate employment opportunities in the tourism industry. This support extends to partnerships with local businesses and investors, enhancing the initiative’s impact and scope.
In a conversation with 964media, Mahmoud shared his inspiration for the project: “The drive to document and promote Kirkuk’s historical and touristic sites stemmed from a wish to position the city on the global tourism map. Through ‘Kirkuk Archive,’ I aim to aid in the nomination of Kirkuk’s heritage sites for UNESCO’s World Heritage list.”
The initiative’s appeal has crossed local boundaries, drawing visitors from diverse regions, including groups from Iran, the Kurdistan Region, and cities across central and southern Iraq. These tourists have explored Kirkuk’s citadel, historical residences, and ancient mosques.
“I am proud of the project’s success and its evolution into a tourism initiative that fosters cultural exchange and showcases Kirkuk’s heritage to the world,” Mahmoud remarked.
Raed Al-Obaidi, the director of antiquities and heritage in Kirkuk, told 964media about the efforts to facilitate tourist access and ensure a memorable visit. “We’ve supported activist Mustafa Mahmoud by granting the necessary permissions to visit Kirkuk’s heritage sites. The feedback from tourists has been extremely positive, with many expressing eagerness to return and delve deeper into Kirkuk’s rich cultural heritage.”