Halamata cave — Attraction in Duhok Central Subdistrict

The cave is located seven kilometres south-west of Dohuk, above the village of Geverke. The site is composed of "four Neo-Assyrian bas-reliefs carved into the cliff-side above the village of Malthai".[1] The reliefs are approximately six metres long and two metres high. The reliefs all show a procession of nine figures, and were first photographed by British explorer Gertrude Bell in 1909.[1]

According to ArtStor, the reliefs "depict the Assyrian king worshipping the main divinities in the Mesopotamian pantheon" and date from 704 BC to 681 BC.[2] As with the reliefs at Khinnis, the reliefs at Halamata Cave are "associated with the northern canal system built by the Assyrian king Sennacherib (r. 704-681 BCE) to carry water to his capital city of Nineveh".[3]

The reliefs are unique because "Unlike other examples of Assyrian royal art, in which the king is represented worshipping symbols of gods, these reliefs show the king gesturing in front of anthropomorphic deities, or gods in human form."[4]

In 2016 the reliefs had to be cleaned and restored after vandals spray painted a Kurdish flag on them.[5] In February 2018, thieves removed a part of the relief carvings. "The archeological piece stolen is called Sanharib,” said Nivin Mohammed, head of legal affairs for Duhok's archeology directorate.[6] These incidents have increased in recent years, and the Kurdistan Region authorities have been criticised for not doing enough to prevent the erasure of Assyrian cultural heritage in the...

Halamata Cave is an archaeological site near Duhok in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The caves contain the Assyrian relief carvings known as the Maltai reliefs.The cave is located seven kilometres south-west of Dohuk, above the village of Geverke. The site is composed of "four Neo-Assyrian bas-reliefs carved into the cliff-side above the village of Malthai".The reliefs are approximately six metres long and two metres high. The reliefs all show a procession of nine figures, and were first photographed by British explorer Gertrude Bell in 1909. According to ArtStor, the reliefs "depict the Assyrian king worshipping the main divinities in the Mesopotamian pantheon" and date from 704 BC to 681 BC.[2] As with the reliefs at Khinnis, the reliefs at Halamata Cave are "associated with the northern canal system built by the Assyrian king Sennacherib (r. 704-681 BCE) to carry water to his capital city of Nineveh" source Wikipedia you must visit it

اللهم صلي وسلم وبارك على نبينا...

This remarkable historical landscape, crafted by the Assyrians millennia ago, stands as a testament to the power and heritage of the Assyrian civilization. What captivates is the ingenious excavation methods employed in an era devoid of contemporary tools like diamonds and hard metals. Regrettably, unlike some preserved sites in the region, this landscape requires careful attention and preservation.

Accessing the site poses challenges, as there's no clear path to the cave. Having a local guide is advisable, but you can also follow faint red signs leading to the landscape. Despite extensive vandalism, the site still offers a visible glimpse into the past. Though marred, it remains a worthwhile visit, offering a picturesque view...