The north-east mountains

The high mountains and fertile valleys of this area of Northern Iraq are in sharp contrast to the terrain of the rest of the country. This area is mostly inhabited by Kurds and is known as the Kurdish Autonomous Region (KAR). This friendly and hospitable people are direct descendants of the Medes.

Arbil is the main town and headquarters of the KAR. Situated about 84km from Mosul, this ancient town is dominated by a large fortress. Several old-style Kurdish houses in the town have been converted into museums, with interesting collections of objects from Sumerian through to Abbasid times.

The town of Sinjar, situated on the slopes of the Jebel Sinjar Mountains, is the home of the Yezidis, often known -- incorrectly -- as Devil worshippers. A more accurate summary of their beliefs would be their perception of the Devil as a fallen angel, whose evil deeds in the world must be appeased in order that he should become one with the angels once more. Some elements of Christianity, Islam and nature worship are to be found in their beliefs. The Yezidi's are of Kurdish stock.