Archaeologists have discovered that several tombs in Erbil’s historic Qaysari Bazaar may date back to before the birth of Christ, shedding new light on the city’s deep historical roots.
Kan’an Mufti, former director of antiquities in the Kurdistan Region, revealed that 23 ancient tombs have been documented across Erbil, with some located in the bustling market area. He noted that while records of these tombs exist, detailed historical research is still needed.
Among the most significant sites are:
- The Tomb of Prophet Uzair near the Sheikh Choli Mosque
- Sultan Muzaffar’s shrine near the Erbil Governorate building
- The tombs of Sayid Saleh, Sayid Abdullah, and Sayid Taha in Qaysari Bazaar
Nebaz Abdulhamid, Erbil’s district commissioner, emphasized efforts to preserve these landmarks, stating that they are irreplaceable parts of the city’s identity. Restoration work is conducted annually to maintain their condition.
Erbil’s Citadel also contains numerous tombs linked to Islamic and Assyrian traditions, while a historic Jewish cemetery further highlights the city’s diverse heritage. As one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Erbil continues to reveal layers of its ancient past through these archaeological treasures.