Syriac Heritage Museum — Attraction in Ankawa Subdistrict

The Syriac Heritage Museum was opened in 2010, entry is free and the front desk staff speaks Arabic. In general, the museum provides historical and contemporary information about the Christians of Ankawa and the region. There is missing context at times and the historical information is macro level but it is a nice museum all in all and worth visiting.

To the right of the entrance are half a dozen interpretative panels focusing on Ankawa plus a historical model of what Ankawa used to look like. Straight from the entrance are several reenactment scenes which show various activities related to cotton/wool and grain processing. To the left of the entrance is the main part of the museum. This section includes interpretative panels covering the periods Before Christ, Christian Period, and Islamic Periods (Akkadian period 2334 BC through Ottoman period 1922). The rest of the floor is displays and artifacts of 19th-20th century Syriac heritage fashions/folk dress, house wares, agricultural tools, brassware, tools and stony equipment, fictile tools, and mats and textiles. The museum continues on a second floor, which has sections on the pioneers of the intellectual and cultural rise, Syriac journalism, folks occupations and handicrafts, monasteries, prominent and famous figures, Syriac schools, the Syriac alphabet, the pioneers of Syriac theatre, Syriac archaeologists, documents, the pioneers of music sign, hymnody, and the 2021 Pope Francis visit to Iraq and Kurdistan.

I went through the whole museum and read all of the main historical interpretive panels and the visit took me about 75 minutes so you can plan for a...

Syriac Heritage Museum – Erbil

The Syriac Heritage Museum in Erbil is a hidden cultural treasure that offers a deep and captivating look into the history, traditions, and identity of the Syriac (Assyrian) people of Iraq. Located in the Ankawa district, the museum is beautifully designed to resemble a traditional village, complete with stone facades, wooden balconies, and cultural décor that instantly transport you back in time.

Inside, the museum presents an impressive collection of artifacts, traditional clothing, manuscripts, tools, religious items, and photographs that tell the story of Syriac life from ancient Mesopotamia to modern times. One of its strongest points is how it preserves the memory of a community that has contributed immensely to the region’s history while enduring centuries of challenges.

The guides are knowledgeable and passionate, offering rich explanations and personal stories that bring the exhibits to life. The museum doesn’t just focus on history—it also celebrates art, language, and music, making it both educational and emotionally moving.

For visitors interested in history, anthropology, or Iraq’s diverse cultural fabric, this museum is an essential stop. It’s small enough to explore in an hour, yet packed with meaning. The peaceful atmosphere and authentic displays make it a rewarding experience, far from the rush

understand the deep roots of the Syriac people in Iraq.

To explore rare artifacts and traditional village life.

To experience Erbil beyond its citadel and commercial...

The Syriac Museum is dedicated to showcasing the heritage and culture of the Syriac people in Iraq. It focuses on Christian heritage in Iraq in general and Kurdistan in particular, featuring a rich collection of traditional tools, costumes, and ancient manuscripts that highlight the history of this venerable people. Located in the Ain Kawa district, which has a predominantly Christian population, the museum is excellently organized, presenting history in a unique way. The staff is very friendly and hospitable, offering valuable information about the exhibits. Admission is free despite the museum not receiving government support, and it financially sustains itself through the sale of souvenirs. A charming touch is that every visitor is asked to write a note or words of love in their native language, creating an atmosphere of cultural connection among guests. I highly recommend visiting it to anyone interested in...