Halamata cave, Babel Travel Guide

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Discover ancient Assyrian artistry at Halamata Cave near Duhok, featuring well-preserved Maltai reliefs dating back to King Sennacherib.

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Halamata cave

Halamata Cave, near Duhok, Iraq, shelters the Maltai reliefs, Neo-Assyrian carvings dating back to King Sennacherib's reign (704-681 BCE). These well-preserved carvings offer a glimpse into the art, religion, and engineering of the Assyrian Empire, depicting the king worshipping Mesopotamian deities.

A brief summary to Halamata cave

RWPR+W83, Duhok, Duhok Governorate, IQ

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Halamata cave.

Wear sturdy shoes for the hike to the cave.
Bring water and snacks, as facilities are limited.
Consider hiring a local guide to enhance your understanding of the cave's history.

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Getting There

Taxi

From Duhok city center, a taxi is the most convenient way to reach the trailhead for Halamata Cave. Negotiate the fare beforehand, with a typical cost of 7,000 IQD (as of December 2022) for a direct drop-off at the trailhead on Zawa Mountain. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes.
Walking

From the Halamata Cave trailhead on Zawa Mountain, follow the marked path. The path leads to a small ravine; descend carefully through the rocky section. Continue until you see another cliff; the cave will be below you. Take the path descending along the edge of the mountainside for about two minutes until it branches left, leading directly to Halamata Cave.

Discover more about Halamata cave

Halamata Cave, an archaeological site in the Duhok Governorate of Iraq, is home to the Maltai reliefs, a series of Neo-Assyrian bas-reliefs. Located approximately 7 kilometers southwest of Duhok, the cave is situated on the slopes of Zawa Mountain, overlooking the village of Geverke.The reliefs, dating back to the reign of King Sennacherib (704-681 BCE), are associated with the northern canal system built to carry water to his capital city of Nineveh. The carvings, approximately 6 meters long and 2 meters high, depict a procession of nine figures, including the Assyrian king worshipping the main divinities of the Mesopotamian pantheon. This unique iconography, where the king is shown gesturing in front of anthropomorphic deities, distinguishes them from other examples of Assyrian royal art.First documented by British explorer Gertrude Bell in 1909, Halamata Cave has since attracted historians, archaeologists, and tourists. Despite facing challenges such as vandalism and theft in recent years, ongoing conservation efforts aim to preserve this invaluable heritage. Visitors can explore the cave and witness firsthand the artistic and cultural achievements of ancient Assyria.