Machko Chaikhana: the old heart of Erbil

In Erbil's Qaysari Bazaar, right below the ancient Citadel, Machko Chaikhana has been a meeting point for decades. Journalists, poets, traders and travellers all sit together here over a glass of tea.

Machko is more than a tea house · it is part of the city's memory, its walls lined with old photographs and the stories of generations. For many, it has become a symbol of old Erbil.

The Erbil Citadel, which Machko sits below, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world and is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The surrounding area is a blend of history, commerce and daily life.

A glass of tea here is more than a drink: it is an excuse for conversation, for meeting people and for hearing the city's stories. Some people have sat in the same spot every day for years, and this is exactly what has made Machko part of old Erbil's character.

The surroundings of the Qaysari Bazaar and its narrow lanes, with the voices of traders and the smell of spices, offer a complete experience. For a traveller, sitting at Machko is a way to feel the real life of the city, not just to see the tourist sights.

If you visit Erbil, this is one of the places you should see · authentic Kurdish culture and warm hospitality are felt here. You can read more about the Erbil Citadel below.