Dohuk: A Gem in the Heart of Iraqi Kurdistan

• Helloسڵاو
  [sallaw]
• Goodbyeخداحافظ
  [khuda hafiz]
• Yesبەڵێ
  [bele]
• Noنەخێر
  [nekher]
• Please/You're welcomeتکایە
  [tekaye]
• Thank youسوپاس
  [supas]
• Excuse me/Sorryببورە
  [bobore]
• How are you?چۆنیت؟
  [choni?]
• Fine. And you?بەخۆشم. تۆ چۆنیت؟
  [bekhosham. to choni?]
• Do you speak English?زمانی ئینگلیزی دەگوت؟
  [zmani ingilizi degot?]
• I don't understandنەفەهمم
  [nefehmem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseتکایە دەستپێکردنی مێنیو بدە
  [tekaye destpekrdeni menu bede]
• I don't eat meatمن گۆشت نەخوێنم
  [min gost nekhonem]
• Cheers!سۆر
  [sor]
• I would like to pay, pleaseتکایە پارە دابخە
  [tekaye pare dabkhe]

• Help!یارمەتی!
  [yarmeti!]
• Go away!بهەریوە!
  [behrewa!]
• Call the Police!کۆمارەوە!
  [komarewa!]
• Call a doctor!داکتۆرەکە بپەخشە!
  [doktoreke bepekhse!]
• I'm lostتەنها شتەکم
  [tenha shtekem]
• I'm illمن تۆمارم
  [min tomarem]

• I'd like to buy...تکایە دەکرێتەوە ... خرید بکەم
  [tekaye dekretew ... kherid bikem]
• I'm just lookingمن تەنها نیشانەم
  [min tenha nishanem]
• How much is it?چەقدارە؟
  [cheqadare?]
• That's too expensiveئەوەی بەرزە
  [ewey berze]
• Can you lower the price?دەتوانی قیمەت کەم بکەیت؟
  [detawani qimete kem beket?]

• What time is it?چەقدە کاتەیە؟
  [cheqade kateye?]
• It's one o'clockکاتەی یەکەیە
  [kateye yekaye]
• Half past (10)دوای نیوە (10)
  [daway niwe (10)]
• Morningصبح
  [sabah]
• Afternoonدینگ
  [ding]
• Eveningئێوارە
  [eware]
• Yesterdayدەروزا
  [deroza]
• Todayئۆمەن
  [omen]
• Tomorrowسەرەوە
  [serewe]
• 1یەک
  [yek]
• 2دوو
  [dow]
• 3سێ
  [se]
• 4چوار
  [chwar]
• 5پێنج
  [penj]
• 6شەش
  [shesh]
• 7حەوت
  [hewt]
• 8هەشت
  [hesht]
• 9نۆ
  [no]
• 10دە
  [de]

• Where's a/the...?...کوێ؟
  [...kuwe?]
• What's the address?ناونیشانی کوێیە؟
  [nawnishani kuweye?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?ئەتوانی بنیشانم بدەیت؟
  [etawani benishanem bedet?]
• When's the next (bus)?کاتی ئەوەیە؟
  [kate aweye?]
• A ticket (to ....)بلیطی (بۆ ...)
  [beliti (bo ...)]

Dohuk, located in the northern region of Iraq, has a history that dates back to ancient Mesopotamian times. It was part of the Assyrian Empire, serving as a strategic location due to its proximity to major trade routes. Archaeological findings have uncovered evidence of early settlements and artifacts that highlight the city's long-standing significance in the region.

During the height of the Assyrian Empire, Dohuk was an important center for the empire's administrative and military operations. The Assyrians built fortifications and infrastructure that laid the groundwork for the city's development. The remnants of these structures can still be seen today, providing a glimpse into the city's ancient past.

In the medieval period, Dohuk became an integral part of the region under various Islamic caliphates. It flourished culturally and economically as part of the Islamic Golden Age, benefiting from the trade and scholarly activities that characterized this era. The city's mosques and madrasas from this period highlight its rich cultural heritage.

Dohuk came under Ottoman rule in the 16th century, marking a new chapter in its history. The Ottomans contributed to the city’s architecture and administrative structure. This period saw the construction of several notable buildings and the establishment of administrative practices that influenced the city's development well into the modern era.

In recent history, Dohuk has played a significant role in the Kurdish struggle for autonomy. The city is now part of the autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq, serving as a hub for Kurdish culture and political activity. The development of the University of Dohuk and various cultural institutions has transformed the city into a center of education and cultural preservation.

Dohuk is known for its vibrant cultural scene, highlighted by numerous festivals and events that celebrate Kurdish heritage. The Nawroz Festival, marking the Kurdish New Year, is one of the most significant events, drawing visitors from across the region. These festivals showcase traditional music, dance, and crafts, preserving the rich cultural tapestry of Dohuk.

Dohuk is located in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The nearest international airport is Erbil International Airport (EBL), located about 160 kilometers south of Dohuk. From Erbil, you can take a taxi or a shared minibus (known locally as a 'coaster') to Dohuk. The journey typically takes around 2 to 3 hours by road. Alternatively, you can travel from Turkey via the Ibrahim Khalil border crossing, which is about 40 kilometers from Dohuk.

Dohuk is a relatively small city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Public buses and minibuses (coasters) operate within the city and connect to nearby towns. Renting a car can also be a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace. Be aware, however, that traffic can be chaotic, and road conditions vary.

The official currency in Iraq is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Dohuk, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before traveling, particularly if you plan to visit remote areas.

Dohuk is generally considered safe for tourists, particularly compared to other parts of Iraq. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Certain neighborhoods may have higher crime rates, so it's best to ask locals or your hotel for advice on which areas to avoid.

In case of emergency, dial 104 for police assistance and 122 for medical emergencies. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Dohuk. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Dohuk like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Kurdish goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Dohuk Dam, which offers beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere. For a unique experience, take a trip to the nearby village of Alqosh, known for its ancient monastery and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.