Other travelers might think I am insane but I can’t help sing the national Kurdish anthem as I walk in the terminal of Erbil International Airport. After all the wars that we, Kurds, have seen, who could have thought, years ago, that we, Kurds, would have our own international airport? Who could have thought that Erbil, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, would become such an attraction to tourists? And, who would have thought that so many Kurds from the other parts of Kurdistan would call Erbil their home?
When I exit the airport, I welcome
the smell of dust and the warm breeze that ruffles through my hair. “I am home”
is the only thought I have as I go look for a taxi to drive me home. Yes, I am also
excited to see my friends and family again and I am excited to see the change
of Erbil. I’m sure there has not been much change for I’ve only been gone for 8
months.
“You can make a U-turn over there.” I say with confidence. Erbil has been my home for years now and I know this city like the back of my hand. The driver laughs and does not make a U-turn. My head is spinning as I look at the road; there are so many cars here. What if we get hit? My heart is pounding and I almost whisper “You can’t do this, it’s not allowed!” I’m panicking when he says with a grin on his face; “Girl, you have been abroad for too long; you should let me do my job.” After we crossed the road safely, the air fills my lungs again and I guess the driver is right. In 8 months tremendous change can occur in a city like Erbil. But does it happen so rapidly that I will get lost in my own city? This will be my little challenge for tomorrow.
As we drive into our neighborhood I start to get nervous. I can’t see our house anymore. It is as if I’m in a whole different place. I am glad when I see the Kurdish flag on our balcony. At least that has not changed. Let’s hope it never will. Let’s hope every Kurd may get the right to let the Kurdish flag wave in the air in every part of Kurdistan.
I grew up abroad and decided to come back to Erbil so that I can feel, see and touch the change of our nation and this beautiful, old city. I hope you will let me take you on a tour through Erbil.
“You can make a U-turn over there.” I say with confidence. Erbil has been my home for years now and I know this city like the back of my hand. The driver laughs and does not make a U-turn. My head is spinning as I look at the road; there are so many cars here. What if we get hit? My heart is pounding and I almost whisper “You can’t do this, it’s not allowed!” I’m panicking when he says with a grin on his face; “Girl, you have been abroad for too long; you should let me do my job.” After we crossed the road safely, the air fills my lungs again and I guess the driver is right. In 8 months tremendous change can occur in a city like Erbil. But does it happen so rapidly that I will get lost in my own city? This will be my little challenge for tomorrow.
As we drive into our neighborhood I start to get nervous. I can’t see our house anymore. It is as if I’m in a whole different place. I am glad when I see the Kurdish flag on our balcony. At least that has not changed. Let’s hope it never will. Let’s hope every Kurd may get the right to let the Kurdish flag wave in the air in every part of Kurdistan.
I grew up abroad and decided to come back to Erbil so that I can feel, see and touch the change of our nation and this beautiful, old city. I hope you will let me take you on a tour through Erbil.
