As Iraq's concrete jungle swelters, ancient stone houses stay cool - in pictures

Northern city of Akre opts for stone housing and reaps benefits in fight against climate change

As the sun beats down on Iraq, most people swelter in their concrete homes - but not the inhabitants of one mountain city known for its ancient and cool stone houses. All photos: AFP

Tracing its roots back 2,700 years, the picturesque Kurdish city of Akre says it is better adapted to climate change than other parts of Iraq.

Cooling limestone used in its renovation is sourced from the surrounding mountains. "Limestone is easy to use. It's cheap and available," said engineer Jamil Siddik, 63.

Bewar Majeed, 37, lives in a stone house in the old city. "I don't need an air conditioner," he said.

The city has a policy of promoting stone over concrete. Stone houses are far more resistant to rising temperatures and preserve its character, said mayor Baland Reda Zubair.

According to the regional tourism board, 1.7 million visitors came to Iraqi Kurdistan during the first three months of the year, the vast majority Iraqis.

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