Half of Akre Castle restoration completed, plans for museums, tourist attractions underway
The restoration aims to preserve the castle’s historical integrity while transforming it into a vibrant tourist destination.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The historic Akre Castle, a significant cultural landmark in the Kurdistan Region, is undergoing a major restoration, with 50 percent of the work now completed.
The project, funded by the ninth cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in 2021, received an allocation of over 166 million dinars.
Hiwa Shamal, Director of Archeology and Culture of Akre, informed Kurdistan24 on Sunday that the restoration efforts have stabilized the structure, eliminating the immediate risk of collapse. However, additional funding is required to complete the restoration work.
Akre Castle, located in the heart of the old Akre market, spans 1,400 square meters and features two floors, 30 rooms, and two halls. The restoration aims to preserve the castle’s historical integrity while transforming it into a vibrant tourist destination.
“We plan to build two museums—one focusing on archaeology and the other on culture—as well as a cultural gallery and a library,” Shamal said. “These developments are expected to revitalize the tourism sector and attract more foreign visitors to the Akre district.”
Akre Castle is one of the most prominent monuments in the region, and its restoration is set to enhance the district's appeal and contribute to its cultural heritage.
The protection and restoration of archaeological sites are among the top priorities of the ninth cabinet of the KRG, with several such sites already having been successfully restored.
The ongoing efforts at Akre Castle are a testament to this commitment, promising to make the site a key attraction for both local and international tourists.
Further reporting was done by Kurdistan24's correspondent Mateen Kareem Khan