Living in Kurdistan

Posted by Mita on August 08, 2013 in kurdistan, northern iraq,

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain-

I got married and left Big Durian (a.k.a Jakarta city) to Sulaymani, Kurdistan in Northern Iraq. It took about 8 hours flying  from Jakarta to Dubai and another 2 hours from Dubai to Sulaymani. I was prepared with the necessary documents so I didn't find any difficulties with the immigration procedure.

Some people may have a general image about Iraq for example that it is dangerous and unsafe. Well, it's not really like that in some areas. The Kurdistan region, northern part of Iraq is quite safe and peaceful. Kurdistan (meaning "Land of the Kurds") is an autonomous region of Iraq. It comprises of three governorates: Erbil (Hewler), Sulaymaniyah (Slemani), and Duhok. Kurdistan has its own parliament, language (Kurdish), flag and authority to manage the region. To some degree it is able to manage its  foreign relations independently from  Baghdad (central Government). Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) based in Erbil.

Symbol of KRG

Sulaymani is the second biggest city (after Erbil). The temperature in  summer is quite high, up to 43 degree Celcius.  However, we like it here so far. The pace of the city is much slower than Jakarta. There are very few  motor cycle riders in the street as  most of the people ride a mini bus, drive a car or take a taxi. 

Main street, mini bus, taxi and cars

My hubby and I  stay in an apartment complex which  consists of two buildings located in the Bakrajo area. You can see the buildings in the picture below..

Our apartment complex

The apartment is within walking distance to the American University of Iraq, Sulaymani. The small path in the picture leads to the University.