How ancient stone houses stay cool in Iraq as its concrete jungle swelters

Concrete houses are nearly everywhere in Iraq, but the northern city of Akre likes to do things differently, opting for stone instead, reaping benefits in the fight against climate change. Photos: Safin Hamed/AFP

As the sun beats down on Iraq, most people swelter in their concrete homes – but not the inhabitants of one mountain town known for its ancient and cool stone houses.

Tracing its roots back 2,700 years, the picturesque Kurdish town of Akre says it is better adapted to the modern-day perils of climate change than other parts of Iraq.