Historic site in Erbil Governorate set for tourism development and preservation.
Dwin Castle is one of the most significant historical and military archaeological sites in the Kurdistan Region, located within the Erbil Governorate. The Kurdistan Regional Government has officially designated it as an important heritage site due to its historical and cultural value.
The castle is situated near the village of Dwin in the town of Pirmam, within the Salahaddin area, approximately 30 to 50 kilometres from the city of Erbil. Built on a naturally elevated mountain, it occupies a highly strategic position that allowed it to serve as a military and surveillance base in the past. Its location and natural fortification made it an important stronghold for controlling and defending the surrounding region.
Many historians believe that Dwin Castle is linked to the ancestral lineage of Saladin al-Ayyubi. It is suggested that his great-grandfather, Shadi ibn Marwan, migrated from this area to Tikrit and later Damascus, adding further historical significance to the site.
The castle is constructed at an elevation of approximately 1,475 metres above sea level and offers panoramic views in all directions. Remnants of rooms, carved rock features, and torch niches are still visible, along with four robust military towers positioned for surveillance and defense.
In recent years, the Kurdistan Regional Government, under the directives of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, has prioritized the restoration of archaeological and cultural heritage sites. As part of these efforts, Dwin Castle and its surrounding area have undergone significant restoration work aimed at preserving its historical identity and transforming it into a major tourist destination.
In addition to its historical restoration, the nearby Dwin Dam has also been constructed. The dam is made of concrete, with a length of 320 metres and a height of 75 metres, and it has a water storage capacity of approximately 100 million cubic metres.