PHOTOS: Khanzad Castle, a longstanding historical icon of the Kurdistan Region

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Khanzad Castle is one of the Kurdistan Region's many historically-rich sites that still bear witness to an ancient era in the storied land's past.

The structure, constructed of large stone bricks, is located on a 40-meter (just over 130 feet) high hill on the road that connects Erbil city center with Shaqlawa, 22 kilometers (13.6 miles) northeast of the regional capital.

The castle is also often referred to as Banman Castle because it is located just south of a village with the same name.

Its construction dates back to the Emirate of Soran, specifically during the 16th Century reign of Prince Mir Suleiman, who ruled the area as part of the Ottoman Empire.

Sulaiman built the castle in honor of his sister Khanzad, who it is named after and who later ruled after the death of her brother, becoming the first such female ruler in the region. 

Editing by John J. Catherine