Architecture Students Conduct a Scientific Field Visit to the Historic Erbil Citadel

As part of the practical and scientific engagement initiatives, the Department of Architecture at Cihan University-Erbil organized a field visit for first-year students to the historic Erbil Citadel on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

Supervised by Lab Assistant Sanaa Nabil Najib, the students were received by Mr. Araz Abdulkhaliq Qadir, who provided a comprehensive historical overview of the Citadel. He highlighted its archaeological significance as one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the world, detailing its architectural evolution and its cultural role within the urban fabric of Erbil. He also elaborated on traditional defensive structures and heritage building techniques.

During the visit, students explored the spatial organization of traditional houses, the intricate network of narrow alleys, and the courtyard-based planning typical of vernacular architecture. This provided them with a deeper understanding of how environmental and social factors shape the traditional urban fabric. Furthermore, they examined how passive design elements—such as natural ventilation, shading, and compact urban planning—achieved thermal comfort long before the advent of modern technology.

Additionally, an academic analysis of traditional architectural styles was presented, focusing on historical construction methods and the use of local materials including stone, brick, gypsum, and timber. The students were encouraged to reflect on the synergy between heritage architecture and contemporary design trends. The session emphasized the importance of integrating authentic architectural values into modern projects, highlighting how aesthetic simplicity in traditional design is intrinsically linked to structural durability and functional efficiency.