Halamata cave Travel Guide

Halamata Cave, situated seven kilometers southwest of Duhok in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, is home to the Maltai reliefs, a series of four Neo-Assyrian bas-reliefs. These carvings are located on the slopes of Zawa Mountain, overlooking the village of Geverke. Created during the reign of King Sennacherib (704-681 BCE), the reliefs are associated with the northern canal system that supplied water to his capital, Nineveh.The reliefs, each measuring approximately six meters long and two meters high, depict a procession of nine figures. The Assyrian king is shown worshipping the main divinities in the Mesopotamian pantheon, a unique portrayal where the king gestures before anthropomorphic deities. British explorer Gertrude Bell first photographed the reliefs in 1909.Over the years, the reliefs have faced challenges, including vandalism and theft. In 2016, they were cleaned and restored after being spray-painted, and in 2018, a portion of the carvings was stolen. Despite these incidents, conservation efforts continue to preserve this invaluable heritage. Visitors can explore the site year-round, taking in the stunning views and ancient artistry.