Akre's Bountiful Fig Harvest Lures Visitors, Boosts Economy
The bountiful fig harvest in Akre draws tourists to its historic market, revitalizing the local economy with a product celebrated for its unique taste and quality, with production expected to exceed 7,000 tons.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The historic heart of Akre is vibrant with the sweet promise of the harvest season, as the city's celebrated figs draw an influx of tourists and locals, revitalizing the ancient market and reinforcing the fruit's status as a cherished regional treasure that is gaining recognition far beyond its borders.
A report from Kurdistan 24 correspondent Ari Hussein in Akre captures the lively atmosphere, where vendors in the city's historic market are busily arranging boxes of premium figs to welcome a stream of visitors. Alongside grapes and pomegranates, Akre's figs are one of the region's most famous natural products, holding a special place in the culture and commerce of the city.
With their distinctive color, large size, and unique taste, the figs have become a hallmark of Akre and a key economic driver that breathes new life into its markets each season.
For vendors like Lzgin Hassan, the season represents both tradition and livelihood.
Speaking to Kurdistan 24, Hassan, who has been a seller in the market for 35 years, highlighted the city's deep-rooted reputation for quality produce.
"Our city is old and known for its natural products," he said. "For years, we have been selling figs and pomegranates, and tourists come to us in large numbers. We also send our products to Baghdad, Mosul, and the south, and even to Europe."
The allure of the fresh figs is a powerful magnet for tourism. Visitors from across the Kurdistan Region and Iraq flock to the market, keen to taste the fresh harvest and purchase boxes as gifts for their families.
"Whoever comes to Akre must visit this old market," said Hamid Khidr, a tourist visiting from Sulaimani. "The figs here are very special compared to our areas."
This sentiment was shared by Masoud Mohammed, a tourist from Koya, who added, "We came for tourism and to relax, and Akre is a beautiful place famous for its figs. We also bought sumac."
The economic significance of the harvest is underscored by statistics from the Directorate of Agriculture.
The Akre district is home to approximately 270,000 fig trees, and this year’s production is expected to reach more than 7,000 tons.
The price for this prized fruit ranges between 3,000 and 7,000 Iraqi dinars per kilogram, reflecting its high demand and premium quality.
This annual boom provides a significant boost to the local economy, supporting farmers and merchants alike and cementing Akre's identity as a center for exceptional agricultural products.
Kurdistan24 correspondent Ari Hussein in Akre contributed to this report.
