Because the solar beats down on Iraq, most individuals swelter of their concrete properties — however not the inhabitants of 1 mountain city identified for its historic and funky stone homes.

Tracing its roots again 2,700 years, the picturesque Kurdish city of Akre says it’s higher tailored to the modern-day perils of local weather change than different elements of Iraq, AFP mentioned.

“Stone homes are much more resistant” to the rising temperatures and likewise protect the city’s distinctive character, mentioned Mayor Baland Reda Zubair.

“Cement radiates warmth, raises temperatures and impacts the setting,” mentioned Zubair of the constructing materials that’s allowed solely in outlying neighborhoods.

A lot of Akre’s slender alleyways can solely be navigated by donkeys and wind by a historic metropolis heart bathed within the pale yellow and brown hues of the regionally quarried stone.

Oil-rich Iraq is the world’s fifth-most susceptible nation to the results of local weather change, in accordance with the United Nations.

The Kurdistan area the place Akre lies suffers from warmth and water shortage like the remainder of the nation.

Akre, a metropolis of 100,000 residents about 500 kilometers (311 miles) north of Baghdad, believes sticking with the outdated methods will assist it adapt.

Since 1991, when Kurdistan gained de facto autonomy from Iraq, it has declared concrete off limits for development and renovation within the outdated metropolis of Akre.

– No air-con –

A formidable constructing welcomes these getting into the outdated metropolis. Courting to 1853, it’s a remnant of the Ottoman Empire that when dominated the realm.

“It is an outdated navy barracks,” mentioned Jamil Siddik, a 63-year-old engineer who oversees renovation works within the metropolis.

The limestone used for renovation is sourced from the mountains that encompass Akre, he defined. For its residents, “limestone is straightforward to make use of. It is low cost and accessible,” Siddik mentioned.

It additionally supplies nice insulation. “Concrete blocks might solely be 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) extensive, whereas the stones are 40 or 60 centimeters extensive,” he mentioned.

Bewar Majeed, 37, lives within the outdated metropolis. By his doorstep, kittens have been enjoying within the solar, because the temperature reached 40 levels Celsius (104 levels Fahrenheit).

However inside the home, the rooms are good and funky due to its limestone partitions.

“I do not want an air conditioner,” he mentioned. “I’ve a small air cooler, which is sufficient for me, and it is inexpensive.”

The town’s coverage selling stone over concrete depends on public financing.

For years after 2011, public funds paid for the renovation of 25 outdated homes and a mosque. In 2014, nonetheless, funding was suspended “due to the monetary disaster”, mentioned Mayor Zubair.

Now, he added, outdated metropolis residents might renovate or construct with their very own cash, as long as they keep away from concrete, or “ultimately cowl it with stone”.

– Vacationer draw –

On prime of the environmental advantages, Akre’s conservation efforts goal to protect its heritage worth and entice tourism.

Based on the regional tourism board, 1.7 million guests got here to Iraqi Kurdistan through the first quarter of 2022, the overwhelming majority of them Iraqis.

The autonomous area has cultivated a picture of stability, distancing itself from the violence that has engulfed different elements of Iraq lately.

Nonetheless, Kurdistan hasn’t been totally spared the sounds of battle.

Neighboring Türkiye commonly carries out navy operations there in its struggle in opposition to the insurgent Kurdistan Employees’ Social gathering (PKK), which has been designated a “terrorist” group by Türkiye and its Western allies.

In July, artillery bombardment a number of dozen kilometers away from Akre killed 9 civilians, most of them Iraqi holidaymakers. Baghdad blamed Ankara, which denies the Iraqi declare.

However Akre’s residents shrink back from politics.

Ali, an ice cream vendor, mentioned vacationers who’re drawn to the city deliver him “pleasure”.

“We get Iraqis, Germans and French,” he added. “They like our historic metropolis heart.”