Rez
Aryan
Rez
Aryan
December 12, 2025
Welcome to Kurdistan!
Our story began in Kurdistan in 2020 and has taken us all over the globe—from Kurdistan to New Zealand and New York. We can’t wait to take it back to where it all started to celebrate our special day with you.
Schedule
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Traditional Kurdish Breakfast in the Ancient Citadel
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Dress code: Casual
To kick things off, join us for a traditional Kurdish breakfast and chai in the heart of the ancient citadel and bazaar — a chance to explore, connect, and ease into the celebrations.
Welcome Dinner and Cocktail
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Dress code: Western/Semi Formal (Cocktail dresses)
An intimate evening to toast your arrival over Kurdish food and cocktails.
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Sheve Khina /Henna Night
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Dress code: Red is the custom, but feel free to wear colourful Kurdish or Western attire.
Join us for a joyful Kurdish Henna Night (Şevê Khîna) — an evening rich with music, dance, and tradition as we celebrate love, community, and our cultural heritage. Gather around the ceremonial fire, where flames symbolize light, strength, and new beginnings. With vibrant Kurdish dress, the sounds of govend, and the ancient ritual of henna, this night will honour the bride-to-be and bring us together in celebration and connection.
Friday, December 12, 2025
Wedding and Reception
6:00 pm - 11:45 pm
Dress Code: Kurdish dress/Western Formal (floor length gowns and suits). Colourful but no white!
Celebrate our wedding with music, food and dancing.
Saturday, December 13, 2025
After Party
12:00 am - 3:00 am
Dress code: Whatever you want to wear (even if you stay in your gowns and suits!) just bring your dancing shoes!
The night doesn’t end there. Join us for the afterparty!
Welcome to Kurdistan!
Flight
Getting to Hewler/Erbil
The easiest way to get to Hewlêr is to fly directly into Erbil International Airport (EBL). There are many connecting options depending on your location, including: • Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) • Qatar Airways (via Doha) • Emirates (via Dubai) • Austrian Airlines (via Vienna) • Royal Jordanian (via Amman) • EgyptAir (via Cairo) • And more, depending on your departure city. Arrival at the airport: There are free and regular public buses from the first arrival hall to the second pick up location. From the second arrival hall you can get a taxi to the city. (Note there are also taxis from the first arrival hall but they charge more than usual and in $USD). For those arriving on 9 December, we can offer pick up.
Travel Note
Visas
Citizens of many countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport in the Kurdistan Region. Please check if your country is on Citizens of Country List A (it includes most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom and many more). If your country is not on the list, you can apply for an e-Visa at the link below. Please reach out if you need any help with this process! Entry into Erbil is governed by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), which has a separate visa process from federal Iraq. If you wish to visit Baghdad or elsewhere in Iraq, you will need a separate Iraqi visa. Need help with your visa? Just let us know — we’re happy to assist!
Travel Note
Where to stay
We recommend staying near Gulan Street (around Sami Abdulrahman Park, Bakhtiari, Empire City) for ease of access to events and attractions. Here are some suggested hotels: • Divan Erbil Hotel – 5-star hotel in the heart of the city, known for comfort, spacious rooms, and international-standard service. • Erbil Rotana – Stylish, full-service hotel near Sami Abdulrahman Park, offering elegant rooms, great dining, and a relaxing resort-like atmosphere. • Ramada Hotel – Contemporary hotel with modern amenities, comfortable rooms, and reliable service, conveniently located near the city’s main roads and attractions. • Radisson Hotel – Sleek, newly built hotel offering polished interiors, excellent dining options, and easy access to shops, cafes, and central Erbil. There are also more budget friendly options if you prefer but these are the ones we recommend. Let us know if you have questions about any other options!
Hotel
Divan Erbil
Hotel
Erbil Rotana
Hotel
Ramada by Wyndham Erbil Gulan Street
Hotel
Radisson Hotel & Residences Erbil
Travel Note
Currency
The local currency is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD) and many restaurants and hotels also accept $USD (but note it must be $100 bills and newer bills printed after 2009) . Most places accept cash only, so it's a good idea to exchange currency upon arrival or you can also withdraw from ATMs in the city. There are also money exchange kiosks all over the city where you can exchange USD or EUROS to IQD. The current rate is $100 = 140,000 IQD.
Travel Note
Getting Around
Taxis & Ride Apps: Taxis are easy to find and relatively cheap but you must pay cash. There are also apps like Careem which are commonly used and easy to navigate in English. Car Rentals: Not recommended unless you're experienced with local roads and driving norms. Streets can be busy and signage limited. On Foot: Some parts of Erbil — like the Citadel and bazaar area — are best explored on foot. Just wear comfortable shoes! SIM Cards & Internet: SIM cards with data are cheap and widely available at the airport and around the city (look for Korek). Most cafes and hotels also offer free Wi-Fi.
Travel Note
Culture and Customs
The Kurdistan Region is known for its warmth, hospitality, and deep-rooted cultural traditions. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Hospitality: Kurdish hospitality is legendary — you may find yourself constantly offered tea, food, and a seat at the table. Accepting small gestures of kindness is a great way to show respect and appreciation. Dress Code: Kurdistan is very modern. You can wear whatever you like! But respectful dress is appreciated in religious/historic sites. Greetings: A warm handshake and a hand over the heart are common greetings. Among close friends or family, cheek kisses (usually 2–3) are customary. If you're unsure, a smile and nod go a long way.
Travel Note
More information
Emergency Numbers • Police / General Emergency: 122 • Medical Emergency: 122 or go to the nearest private hospital • Tourist Police: Available in the Citadel and city centre for assistance • PAR Hospital and German Hospital are recommended for private healthcare with English-speaking staff. Travel Tips • Cash is king: Many places don’t accept cards — carry IQD cash. • Electricity: 230V, European-style plug (Type C/F). • Time zone: GMT +3 • Weather in December: Expect chilly evenings (5–10°C) and mild days (10–17°C). December is winter so warm clothes are recommended, especially for nighttime events.
FAQs
Question
When is the RSVP deadline?
Answer
September 1, 2025
Question
Where is Hewler?
Answer
Hewlêr is the Kurdish name for Erbil (English and Arabic). Hewlêr is the capital of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region of Iraq. While the Kurdistan Region is legally part of Iraq, it is a constitutionally recognised autonomous region with its own government, security forces, and borders. It’s distinct in governance, culture, and stability—making it one of the safest and most welcoming parts of the Middle East.
Question
Is Kurdistan safe?
Answer
Yes! The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) is considered one of the safest and most stable parts of the Middle East. Cities like Erbil, Duhok, and Sulaymaniyah are modern, welcoming, and frequently visited by tourists and international guests. Travel advisories you see online usually refer to Iraq as a whole and don’t reflect the actual situation in Kurdistan—so they may sound more alarming than necessary. Rest assured—it’s a beautiful and safe place to celebrate with us!
Question
Where should I stay?
Answer
Please check the hotel recommendations we provided for more information!
Question
Can I bring a date or +1?
Answer
Yes, just let us know!
Question
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
Answer
All our wedding events are indoors. You can wear any shoes you want.
Question
Is it okay to take pictures with our phones and cameras during the wedding?
Answer
Yes! We would love for you to take photos and videos and share them on social media and tag us!
Question
What if I have a dietary restriction?
Answer
Please reach out to Rez (+1 929 988 03 04) for any dietary restrictions.
Question
Will there be dancing?
Answer
ALL NIGHT!
Question
Are there any colors that guests should avoid wearing?
Answer
For Rez's sanity, please refrain from wearing white, off-white, beige or anything that could resemble white. We encourage ladies to wear bright colorful gowns or Kurdish clothes.
Question
I want to wear Kurdish clothes, where do I get it?
Answer
If you would like to wear Kurdish cultural dress, you can buy material in the markets/bazaar and give them to our tailor to sew for you but you will need a day or two so please let Rez know if you want to do this.
Question
I want to explore Kurdistan, can you help me with planning?
Answer
We would love for you to take this once in a life time opportunity to also explore all that Kurdistan has to offer. We are happy to provide information, recommendations and even help you with your planning. Once we receive RSVPs we will also create a WhatsApp group chat where you can connect with our guests and get more information!
Question
Is alcohol available?
Answer
Yes! Alcohol is legal and available at restaurants, hotels, and shops in Erbil. We will have drinks served at our wedding.
Question
What religion is Kurdistan?
Answer
Kurdistan is religiously and ethnically diverse, with peaceful coexistence being one of its core values. While the majority of Kurds today are Sunni Muslims, the region is also home to Yezidis (the ancient Kurdish religion), Christians (including Assyrian, Chaldean, and Syriac communities), Kakais, Shabak, and Zoroastrians. Additionally, there are smaller communities of Jews, Baha’is, and Turkmen, among others. You’ll find mosques, churches, synagogues, and Yezidi temples throughout the region, reflecting a deep respect for religious freedom and cultural heritage. Visitors of all faiths—or none—are warmly welcomed in the Kurdistan Region.
Question
🏳️🌈 Is Kurdistan safe for LGBTQI+ travellers?
Answer
Kurdistan is a conservative society, and while same-sex relationships are not criminalised, LGBTQI+ identities are not widely accepted socially. Public displays of affection—regardless of orientation—are uncommon and may attract attention. That said, many LGBTQI+ travellers visit Erbil without issues by being mindful of local norms. There is limited legal protection or visible LGBTQI+ community infrastructure in the region, so we recommend exercising discretion in public settings. Your safety is our top priority, and we’re here to support all our guests in feeling comfortable and respected throughout the trip. The majority of our wedding events will be among close friends and family, with the exception of the larger reception, so we hope you’ll feel safe, comfortable, and embraced among us. ❤️
RSVP
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