Qishla of Kirkuk

The Qishla of Kirkuk is an historical building in Kirkuk, the capital and second largest city of the Kurdistan Autonomous Region. It was constructed by the Ottomans in 1863 and originally served as the local headquarters of the Ottoman army. Qishla is a Turkish word meaning "winter barracks". It has served as the meeting place of the Kurdistan Autonomous Council since the council's establishment in 1991. The property has both an indoor auditorium and outdoor forum, with legislative sessions typically held outside, weather permitting. There are also some administrative offices and a small library of records.