CUE Architecture Students Explore Heritage and Building Traditions at the Historic Erbil Citadel

Second- and third-year Architecture students at the Catholic University in Erbil took part in a scientific field visit to the Erbil Citadel — one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited sites and a designated UNESCO World Heritage landmark. The visit, held on October 14, 2025, was organized as part of the History of Architecture and Building Technology courses.

Led by Dr. Hamid Turki, Ms. Hadar Ihsan Ali, and Mr. Amer Nafea, the trip offered students a rare opportunity to observe centuries-old architectural techniques in their original context. Throughout the visit, students examined traditional building materials — including fired brick, mud brick, and gypsum plaster — and explored how these materials were used to create durable, climate-responsive, and culturally rich structures that still stand today.

The tour helped students link theoretical lessons with real-world architectural practice, deepening their understanding of heritage conservation, material behavior, and sustainable design principles inspired by traditional construction methods.

Through experiential learning activities such as this, the university continues to strengthen academic excellence while fostering appreciation for the region’s cultural and architectural heritage.