For travelers drawn to places where culture, history, and modern life intersect, there’s a new route to rediscover. After a pause of nearly two years, Turkish Airlines has resumed scheduled flights to the Iraqi city of Sulaymaniyah — a destination known for its mountain scenery, thriving café culture, and storied past.
Turkish Airlines, Türkiye’s national flag carrier, announced that the route officially returned to its network this week. The relaunch expands Turkish Airlines’ destinations in Iraq to six, joining Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil, Basra, and Kirkuk. The flights between Istanbul Airport and Sulaymaniyah International Airport will operate four days a week — every Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday — strengthening links between Türkiye and Iraq’s Kurdistan region.
Reconnecting a cultural hub with the world
The return to Sulaymaniyah holds more than logistical importance. Once a key stop for traders and artists along the old routes connecting Mesopotamia and Anatolia, the city has grown into a center of Kurdish culture, art, and education. With its leafy parks, mountain backdrop, and expanding hospitality sector, Sulaymaniyah has long appealed to regional travelers seeking a blend of authenticity and comfort.
“Sulaymaniyah is one of the most important cities in the region with its natural beauty, deep-rooted history, and cultural richness,” said Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines. “We are delighted to welcome our guests back to Sulaymaniyah with our safe, comfortable, and high service standards.”
Bolat added that the resumed service would not only broaden Turkish Airlines’ flight network but also help reinforce “economic and social ties between the two countries.” For many travelers, the move is a sign of renewed confidence in northern Iraq’s stability and growing potential as a cultural and business destination.
A city shaped by history and hospitality
Set among the foothills of the Zagros Mountains, Sulaymaniyah offers visitors a softer side of Iraq — one marked by art galleries, bookshops, and a deep sense of heritage. Founded in the late 18th century, the city is home to the Slemani Museum, one of Iraq’s most respected cultural institutions, and the bustling bazaars that give travelers a glimpse into everyday Kurdish life.
In recent years, Sulaymaniyah has become known for its emerging food scene, where family-run eateries serve traditional dishes like dolma and kebab alongside new takes on regional cuisine. Its cafés, often filled with students and artists, are vibrant spaces of discussion and creativity — reminders that the city’s cultural pulse continues to beat strongly despite years of political uncertainty in the wider region.
Turkish Airlines’ renewed service opens doors for travelers from Europe, Asia, and beyond, thanks to the carrier’s extensive global network through Istanbul. The direct route not only reconnects Iraq’s Kurdistan region with major cities but also positions Sulaymaniyah as a potential gateway for cultural and nature-based tourism in northern Iraq. For local residents, the flights represent easier access to education, healthcare, and commerce abroad.
The airline’s decision comes as part of a broader effort to expand its Middle East operations. Turkish Airlines continues to rank among the world’s top carriers by destinations served, connecting more than 340 points across six continents. Its presence in Iraq dates back decades, reflecting the long-standing trade and travel ties between the two neighbors.
For those considering travel to Sulaymaniyah, the city offers a sense of discovery beyond the well-trodden paths of Middle Eastern tourism. Nearby mountain retreats such as Dukan Lake and Azmar Mountain attract hikers and day-trippers, while upscale hotels like the Grand Millennium Sulaimani and the Titanic Hotel & SPA provide European travelers with familiar comforts, panoramic views, and refined hospitality. The city’s mix of resilience, modernity, and warmth makes it an intriguing stop for those seeking a different side of Iraq’s cultural landscape.
With flights now taking off once again from Istanbul, Turkish Airlines’ return to Sulaymaniyah marks more than a network expansion — it’s a reconnection with a city whose spirit reflects both Iraq’s layered history and its aspirations for the future. For many travelers, that’s reason enough to add it to the map.
