Latest news with #TourismDirectorate
Shafaq News
13 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Zakho tourism reports over 38,000 visitors during Eid holiday
Shafaq News/ More than 38,500 tourists visited the area over the past four days, Zakho's Tourism Directorate announced on Wednesday. Spokesperson Bewar Sindi told Shafaq News Agency that 22,000 visitors came from other Iraqi provinces, 15,000 from within the Kurdistan Region, and over 1,200 from outside Iraq. He stated that the tourism office had prepared in advance to receive tourists during the holiday., highlighting that Zakho features a variety of attractions, including Sharanish, Berkh, Surya, and the Baher cave, all of which saw heavy visitor traffic during the break. Tourists shared their impressions with Shafaq News. Sanaa Hussein, who traveled with her family from Baghdad, described Zakho as a beautiful city with growing tourism appeal. 'We escaped Baghdad's heat to enjoy the pleasant weather here,' she said. Abbas Fadhil, visiting from Basra, praised the cool water in the cave and the enjoyable atmosphere. However, he noted a need for infrastructure improvements, especially the roads leading to some tourist sites.
Shafaq News
17-04-2025
- Sport
- Shafaq News
Beauty and Risk: Climbing Iraqi Kurdistan mountains
Shafaq News/ In the center of the Middle East, where the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan brush the clouds, a quiet transformation is underway. It's not driven by politics or economics, but by people—those drawn to the wild, to challenge, and to something deeper than recreation. Iraqi Kurdistan, long revered for its towering mountains and raw landscapes, is becoming the epicenter of Iraq's emerging mountain climbing scene. What started as a modest interest has rapidly evolved into a dedicated pursuit embraced by climbers of all ages. From the snowy summits of al-Sulaymaniyah to the steep ridges lining the Iraq-Iran border, this rugged terrain has become both proving ground and sanctuary. Climbing as a Calling More than a physical activity, mountain climbing in Kurdistan offers an emotional and mental reckoning. Each ascent is a blend of endurance, strategy, and humility. It demands careful planning—route scouting, gear preparation, and team coordination—and offers little room for error. Harsh terrain, unpredictable weather, and physical exhaustion all test a climber's resolve. Speaking to Shafaq News, Athir Basheet Ali, a local climber, described the experience as one filled with beauty and risk. His words echoed the deeper appeal of the sport: a desire to reach untouched places, to confront nature on its own terms, and to share those moments with a committed team. According to Ali, Kurdistan's mountains offer more than scenic views—they require and reward patience, mental fortitude, and respect for their unpredictable nature. The allure lies not just in reaching the summit, but in the clarity and focus that emerge along the way. Lessons From the Land The mountains themselves shape the experience. In Erbil, Duhok, and al-Sulaymaniyah, peaks rise like guardians over the land, drawing climbers into their quiet, imposing presence. With every footstep, these landscapes teach awareness—of one's surroundings, of one's limitations, and of the delicate balance between ambition and caution. Ali Hama Saleh, another experienced climber, emphasized the critical role of preparation. 'Each journey requires a guide and must be approached as a coordinated effort,' he told our agency, asserting that solo expeditions are not only discouraged but can be fatal. The mountain rewards discipline but punishes carelessness. In response to rising traffic in ecologically fragile areas, authorities have imposed restrictions on climbing zones near the Iranian border, particularly in Juman and around Villawe Lake. Fires and camping are now banned to preserve the landscape and protect visitors. These measures, enforced by the Tourism Directorate, reflect a growing commitment to balancing adventure with conservation. Where Beauty Meets Risk As the sport gains popularity, the dangers have also become more visible. In the past two years, at least a dozen climbers have died—some caught in sudden floods, others lost to falls or avalanches along the border. In May 2024, tragedy struck the 'Sagrma' group in Qaradagh, Al-Sulaymaniyah. Twelve climbers entered the region; only eight returned. Four were swept away by a flash flood. Ali Hussein, a survivor of the incident, recalled the warnings from authorities that went unheeded. He now urges anyone planning a climb to coordinate with local officials and follow safety protocols. Hussein also pointed out the hidden health risks of high-altitude climbing. 'Reduced oxygen levels pose serious threats, especially for those with conditions like hypertension or diabetes,' he noted, adding that in some cases, climbers have suffered heart attacks or strokes mid-climb, requiring urgent evacuation. These are not rare incidents, but real consequences of underestimating the climb. The Climber's Toolkit As interest climbs, so too does the demand for gear. In Kirkuk, Hemin Khorsheed has seen his mountain supply shop grow in popularity. He sells everything from ropes to boots, with full kits reaching up to $1,000. For those seeking more affordable options, second-hand gear markets provide an alternative. Khorsheed noted a significant increase in customers over the past two years, with both youth and older individuals joining the climbing community. As awareness spreads, so does an understanding of the importance of reliable equipment—gear that can mean the difference between a successful summit and a life-threatening situation.
Shafaq News
07-04-2025
- Shafaq News
Zakho welcomes 41,000 visitors during Eid al-Fitr
Shafaq News/ 41,000 tourists visited Zakho district in Duhok, Kurdistan Region, during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, the Tourism Directorate in the district announced on Sunday. According to the Directorate's media head Beora Sindi, around 17,000 tourists arrived from the Region, over 22,000 visitors came from other Iraqi provinces, while about 1,150 tourists entered via the Ibrahim al-Khalil border crossing. The Directorate had prepared a plan in advance to welcome tourists including the formation of field committees that toured tourist sites to ensure safety and security, Sindi noted. Zakho attracts visitors with its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. Key attractions include the ancient Delal Bridge, scenic Zakho Corniche, bustling markets offering traditional handicrafts, and the picturesque Sharanish Waterfall. The city's welcoming atmosphere and mix of cultural, historical, and outdoor experiences make it a popular destination, especially during holidays. During the seven-day holiday, Erbil, the capital of the Region, welcomed over 76,000 tourists, while Al-Sulaymaniyah province received 50,000 tourists.
Shafaq News
29-03-2025
- Shafaq News
Kurdistan's Erbil to receive 60,000+ tourists during Eid al-Fitr
Shafaq News/ The Kurdistan Region expects over 60,000 tourists to visit its capital, Erbil, during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, the Tourism Directorate announced on Saturday. The previous holiday saw a similar number of visitors, but this year's figure could be higher due to the week-long public holiday (from March 29 to April 5) in both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, as well as the overlap of Nowruz, the directorate affirmed. Earlier, the Spokesperson for the Al-Sulaymaniyah Tourism Directorate, Koran Qader, told Shafaq News that the province expects a large influx of tourists.
Shafaq News
21-03-2025
- Shafaq News
Nowruz meets Ramadan: Duhok families celebrate in nature
Shafaq News/ During the Nowruz celebrations, hundreds of Kurdish families in Dohuk province ventured into nature to enjoy the springtime atmosphere and revive the traditions of the holiday. Families chose to spend the day in the green spaces surrounding the province, where they prepared a variety of traditional Kurdish dishes and reveled in the festive mood. As sunset approached, they gathered to break their fast amid nature, as this year's Nowruz coincided with the holy month of Ramadan. Avin Mustafa expressed her happiness with the experience to Shafaq News, 'We wanted to break the daily routine for Nowruz. This is the first time we've broken our fast outside the home, and it was truly a wonderful experience.' Earlier today, Tourism Directorate chief Amin Salim announced that Akre city in Duhok province saw more than 88,000 tourists during the Nowruz celebrations, marking a significant increase in foreign visitors. In recent years, Nowruz celebrations in the Kurdistan Region have seen hundreds of thousands of citizens head into nature, where they wear traditional Kurdish clothing and perform folk dances and songs to express their joy for the occasion.
