History and Modernity in Iraqi Kurdistan

ERBIL, REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF KURDISTAN, IRAQ - 2016. Traditional dances and contemporary outfits of the young Kurdish women from the Assyrian community during a gathering to celebrate Easter in the big lounge of the "u201cAssyrian culture club"u201d. The Christians from Iraq, one of the most ancient christian community in the Middle-East, represent only 2% of the country"u2019s population nowadays and are persecuted by the Islamic State that wants them to disappear. Erbil is the most populated city of Iraqi Kurdistan with one and a half million inhabitants. With a citadel that is listed in the UNESCO heritage, Erbil is a growing modern town. It is a privileged destination for politicians and international economic players in mission but also for the Kurdish middle and higher social classes. (Photo by Reza/Getty Images)