Abstract

Erbil, a part of Iraq, is one of the oldest cities in history. With its cultural history, social life, expansive geography, and ancient monuments, it has attracted the attention of many nations and ethnic groups. As it is an ancient settlement, numerous studies have been conducted over time. Among the most significant topics in these studies are place names.
The Erbil region has become a city rich in terms of place names and has undergone many changes throughout its history. These changes extend from the Assyrian and Babylonian periods to the Bektashi, Abbasid, Tatar, Mongol, Jalayirid, Safavid, Islamic, and Ottoman eras. However, according to records, some places have remained unchanged, such as the Erbil Citadel, the Desert Minaret, significant neighborhoods in Erbil, the Kayseri Bazaar, and more.
Today, the Erbil Citadel has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage site and is under protection. Besides the citadel, many districts, villages, streams, rivers, and neighborhoods below Erbil carry names derived from various meanings.
In this context, place names are among the most important linguistic resources providing data about the region’s geography, nature, history, soil, cultural structure, beliefs of its inhabitants, and folklore products. In our study, the main topic is "An Evaluation of Place Names in the Erbil Region of Iraq from the Perspective of Folklore." To date, no comprehensive study has been conducted on this topic. Erbil has had place names such as neighborhoods, streets, districts, villages, streams, bazaars, and cemeterie