Halamata Cave: Ancient Assyrian Reliefs

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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, located near Duhok, Iraq, is an archaeological site featuring Neo-Assyrian bas-reliefs known as the Maltai reliefs. Carved into a cliffside, these well-preserved carvings date back to King Sennacherib's reign (704-681 BCE) and offer a glimpse into the art and religious practices of the Assyrian Empire.

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 there are limited facilities.
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
Consider hiring a local guide to learn more about the cave's history.
Respect the natural environment during your visit.

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Getting There

Taxi

From Duhok city center, take a taxi to Halamata Cave. Negotiate the fare beforehand; a typical ride costs between 10,000 to 15,000 IQD and takes about 30 minutes. The driver will likely know the location, but it's helpful to have the coordinates (36.8372579, 42.940795) handy. The taxi will drop you off near the trailhead.
Walking

From the trailhead on Zawa Mountain, follow the path towards the cave. Look for five red arrows painted on a metal post on the right side of the road and a small rundown shed on the left. The trail descends into a small ravine, requiring a scramble down a rocky section. Continue along the path for a couple of minutes until it branches off to the left, where you should see the site. There are currently no entrance fees.

Discover more about Halamata cave

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.