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

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  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

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  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.

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  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.

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

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  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.

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  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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