Latest news with #DirectorateofAntiquities
Shafaq News
13-05-2025
- Shafaq News
Visit Kurdistan: Walk in the footsteps of Shanidar Cave – now a global tourism magnet
Shafaq News/ Tucked into the rugged cliffs of Bradost Mountain in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, Shanidar Cave (Neanderthals) stands as one of the world's most significant archaeological treasures. For decades, it has drawn historians, archaeologists, and adventure seekers. But today, this ancient wonder is witnessing a remarkable revival in global interest—thanks to the recent BBC-produced documentary 'The Real Neanderthal' streaming on Netflix. Unearth the Past at Shanidar Cave First excavated in the 1950s by archaeologist Ralph Solecki, Shanidar Cave gained international fame with the discovery of ten Neanderthal skeletons dating back 35,000 to 65,000 years. One particular find, Shanidar IV, sparked global intrigue due to the 'flower burial'—a possible sign of ritualistic funerals among Neanderthals that challenged long-held beliefs about their intelligence and emotional depth. Alongside the Neanderthal remains, archaeologists have uncovered more than 30 proto-Neolithic skeletons from around 10,600 BCE, offering a rare, continuous glimpse into early human life and death. A Tourism Renaissance Sparked by Netflix According to the Directorate of Antiquities in the Soran Independent Administration, the documentary has dramatically boosted interest in the cave. Abdul Wahab Suleiman, head of the Directorate, told Shafaq News that following the film's release, more than two billion people worldwide searched for 'Kurdistan' online—driven by curiosity about the cave's ancient secrets. 'Thousands of interested individuals now want to visit this historical site to see firsthand where Neanderthals lived,' he noted. In response to this surge, the local government—working in coordination with the University of Cambridge and the Erbil General Directorate of Antiquities—is launching a new tourism development plan. Projects include a dedicated archaeological museum near the site and a cable car to transport visitors from the mountain base directly to the cave entrance. These enhancements aim to turn Shanidar into a world-class heritage and tourism destination. Set approximately 2,200 feet (670 meters) high in the Zagros Mountains, the cave is a scenic three-hour drive from Erbil International Airport. Though the final stretch includes winding mountain roads, the journey rewards visitors with breathtaking vistas and a profound sense of timelessness. Inside, travelers can explore its vast chambers and intricate rock formations. Guided tours bring to life the scientific importance of the site, while surrounding trails offer hiking opportunities for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Visitor Farhad Hussein, who came with his family after watching the Netflix documentary, expressed enthusiasm but also highlighted gaps: 'We have a great interest in knowing what's inside this cave. But unfortunately, there are no tourist facilities here. We hope the government pays more attention to this area.' Planning Your Visit Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most pleasant conditions for hiking and sightseeing. Summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F), while winters may bring snowfall and cold winds across the mountains. Wear durable footwear for the rocky terrain, bring water for the hike, and carry a flashlight for navigating the cave's darker passages. Why Shanidar Matters Shanidar Cave is more than an archaeological site—it is a portal into humanity's prehistoric journey. With its stunning natural setting and profound historical significance, it bridges the ancient with the modern. Now, with the eyes of the world turning toward Iraqi Kurdistan, Shanidar offers travelers not just a destination, but an unforgettable story etched into stone. Whether you're tracing the footsteps of Neanderthals, experiencing a cultural renaissance, or simply soaking in the majesty of the Bradost Mountains, a visit to Shanidar Cave promises an experience that will echo through memory—just as it has echoed through millennia.
Shafaq News
11-05-2025
- General
- Shafaq News
Erbil assesses leaning of historic Al-Muzaffariyah minaret
Shafaq News/ Authorities in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, launched a scientific assessment of the historic Al-Muzaffariyah Minaret amid growing concerns over its tilt and potential risk of collapse, local officials said on Sunday. The Muzaffariyah Minaret—also known as the Choly Minaret—is considered the second most prominent religious and historical landmark in Erbil after the city's iconic citadel. Renowned for its architectural beauty and distinctive design, the structure has long been a symbol of Erbil's cultural heritage. Nader Babakr, the director of Erbil's Directorate of Antiquities, told Shafaq News that the minaret has exhibited a slight tilt since ancient times, but recent reports suggest the leaning may have increased. The minaret underwent a rehabilitation project in 2006 led by a Czech conservation team, Babakr explained, adding, 'We have formally requested the return of that same team to reassess the structure and submit a technical report on any damage sustained since the previous restoration.' The Erbil provincial government is fully funding the visit, and preliminary observations suggest that the tilt has not worsened, he stated, affirming that 'any necessary protective measures will be taken to preserve the minaret, which stands as a historical symbol of the city.' Shafaq News captured recent images of the minaret, located about one kilometer south of the Erbil Citadel. The structure is composed of a base and a cylindrical body, with red brick ornamentation adorning its walls. This construction method provides moderate resistance to weathering. Originally, the minaret stood at 45 meters tall, but damage to its upper section has reduced its current height to approximately 37 meters.
Shafaq News
15-02-2025
- General
- Shafaq News
Aqar Quf Ziggurat: A fading legacy of Mesopotamia
Shafaq News/ For over three millennia, the Aqar Quf Ziggurat withstood the test of time, standing as a testament to Mesopotamia's rich history. Environmental threats, neglect, and urban encroachment are accelerating its deterioration, raising urgent concerns about the fate of one of Iraq's most significant landmarks. Mesopotamia's Enduring Ziggurat Baghdad was one of the cities in the southern region of Mesopotamia, with the Ziggurat located near the confluence of the Tigris and Diyala rivers. Situated 15 kilometers west of Baghdad, the Ziggurat and once served as the capital of the Kassite Empire. The sacred complex was constructed during the Kassite dynasty's rule after it took control of the Babylonian Empire following the decline of Hammurabi's dynasty. The inhabitants spoke the Babylonian language in official communications and initially made Babylon their capital. However, they later established a new capital, naming it Dur-Kurigalzu, at a site now known as Aqar Quf, near Baghdad. Dedicated to the god Enlil, the Ziggurat remains remarkably well-preserved, with its mud-brick core still rising approximately 170 feet above the flat plains near Baghdad. The site also featured three temples and a palace, where corridor walls were adorned with numerous depictions of male figures, possibly court officials, along with several sanctuaries. At its height, the city, fortified by multiple ramparts, spanned an area of 225 hectares. Archaeologist Junaid Hamid, told Shafaq News that the Ziggurat served as a commercial hub for several centuries, with camel caravans and trade routes passing through the site, adding 'the location of the Aqar Quf Ziggurat has made it a popular recreational destination for Baghdad families, especially on Fridays and public holidays.' Notably, British archaeologist Francis Rawdon Chesney was the first to visit the Aqar Quf Ziggurat in 1837. Excavations took place between 1942 and 1945, led by Iraqi researcher Taha Baqir and British archaeologist Seton Lloyd, as part of a collaboration between Iraq's Directorate of Antiquities and the British School of Archaeology. The digs uncovered more than 100 cuneiform-inscribed tablets. In 1970, a reconstruction project was launched, covering the Ziggurat, temples, public buildings, and the White Mound, which housed a large palace. According to researcher Junaid Amer Hamid, the Ziggurat was built with layers of reed mats that reinforced its structure and helped prevent collapse. Iraqi archaeologists also discovered nearby sites, including Tell Abu Shajar. A Legacy Under Threat For more than 3,440 years, the Aqar Quf Ziggurat has stood resilient, but it now faces growing environmental threats and urban encroachment that could accelerate its deterioration. Archaeologist Amer Abdul Razaq told Shafaq News that 'Iraq's historical sites are a fundamental part of the country's identity, expressing concern over insufficient efforts to protect them.' 'Climate change has affected all archaeological sites in Iraq, particularly those built with mudbrick and fired clay, which are more vulnerable to decay than stone structures,' Abdul Razaq continued. Rain, humidity, and drought have caused the Ziggurat's height to shrink from 72 meters to 52 meters, raising fears of further erosion in the coming years, he noted. To safeguard the site, the archeologist proposed constructing a large protective canopy or a glass enclosure to shield the Ziggurat from environmental damage. Environmental threats to the Ziggurat include flooding from the nearby Euphrates River, as well as human activities such as looting and unauthorized excavations. Its proximity to Baghdad also exposes it to urban encroachment and pollution. Moreover, Iraqi Army maneuvers in the 1980s, including trench digging, inflicted damage on the site. The Ziggurat sustained further harm following the 2003 US invasion of Iraq when security breakdowns led to its abandonment and subsequent looting. However, Iraqi officials and the US military overseeing security in the area have been working on a restoration plan. Since mid-2008, local authorities have drafted proposals to rehabilitate the historic site, but support from Iraq's Ministry of Antiquities has yet to materialize. Struggles Against Time The Aqar Quf Ziggurat stands as an architectural masterpiece reflecting the grandeur of Mesopotamian civilizations, but it now faces the threat of erosion and destruction due to climate factors and neglect. Small museum was built near the Ziggurat in 1960 to serve visitors and tourists, but it is now neglected. He noted that the site's proximity to the capital once made it one of Iraq's most famous heritage landmarks, archaeologist Junaid Hamid pointed out. Despite its historical significance, the Ziggurat now suffers from neglect and a lack of services, leading to a decline in visitor numbers. In 2008, officials drafted plans to rehabilitate the site, and in 2013, the General Directorate of Antiquities carried out maintenance work as part of the 'Baghdad: Arab Capital of Culture' project. However, no new restoration projects have been undertaken since then, leaving the historic monument vulnerable to further deterioration.
