Dohuk Governorate: The Hidden Gem of Northern Iraq

• Helloسڵاو
  [sllaw]
• Goodbyeخداحافظ
  [khuda hafiz]
• Yesبەڵێ
  [belle]
• Noنەخێر
  [nekhayr]
• Please/You're welcomeتکایە
  [takaye]
• Thank youسوپاس
  [supas]
• Excuse me/Sorryببورە
  [bobore]
• How are you?چۆنییت؟
  [chonyit?]
• Fine. And you?بەخیر. تۆ چۆن؟
  [bekhayr. to chon?]
• Do you speak English?ئینگلیزی دەگوت؟
  [Englishi degot?]
• I don't understandنازانم
  [nazanam]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseدەتەوێت لیست ببینیت، تکایە
  [detewet list bibenit, takaye]
• I don't eat meatمێن نەخێرم
  [men nekhayrm]
• Cheers!پیاوبەخشی
  [pyawbakhshi]
• I would like to pay, pleaseدەتەوێت پارە بدەیت، تکایە
  [detewet pare bdayt, takaye]

• Help!یارمەتی!
  [yarmeti!]
• Go away!دەرگا بڕۆ!
  [derga bero!]
• Call the Police!پۆلیس بپەخشە!
  [polis bepakhsha!]
• Call a doctor!دۆکتۆر بپەخشە!
  [doktor bepakhsha!]
• I'm lostڕۆیبم
  [roibm]
• I'm illنیمەزارم
  [nimezarm]

• I'd like to buy...دەتەوێت خەرید بکەیت...
  [detewet kherid bkeyt...]
• I'm just lookingتەنها بینراوم
  [tenha binraom]
• How much is it?چیت پارەیە؟
  [chet pareye?]
• That's too expensiveئەوە زۆر گرانە
  [awe zor grane]
• Can you lower the price?دەتوانی پارە بەرزی بکەیت؟
  [detwani pare berzi bkeyt?]

• What time is it?چند وقتە؟
  [chand waqte?]
• It's one o'clockیەکەم وقتە
  [yekam waqte]
• Half past (10)نیم ساعت لە (دە).
  [naim sa'at le (de).]
• Morningبەیانی
  [beyani]
• Afternoonپاشینی
  [pashini]
• Eveningئێواره
  [ewara]
• Yesterdayدوێنێ
  [doyene]
• Todayئەمڕۆ
  [amro]
• Tomorrowسەرۆ
  [sero]
• 1یەک
  [yek]
• 2دوو
  [dow]
• 3سێ
  [se]
• 4چوار
  [chwar]
• 5پێنج
  [penj]
• 6شەش
  [shesh]
• 7حەوت
  [hewt]
• 8هەشت
  [hasht]
• 9نۆ
  [no]
• 10دە
  [de]

• Where's a/the...?لە کۆنایەت یان...؟
  [le konyate yan...?]
• What's the address?ناونیشان چییە؟
  [nawnyshan chyiye?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?دەتوانی پیشانم بدەیت (لەسەر نەخشە؟
  [detwani peshanm bdayt (leser neksha?]
• When's the next (bus)?کاتێک (ئاوتۆبۆس) گرێ؟
  [katek (autobos) gray?]
• A ticket (to ....)وشەیەک (بۆ ...)
  [wesheyeke (bo ...)]

Dohuk Governorate, historically known as Nineveh, was a crucial region within the vast Assyrian Empire. Dating back to the 25th century BCE, the area was integral to the empire's administrative and military operations. Numerous archaeological sites, such as the ruins of ancient cities and fortresses, provide a glimpse into the sophisticated urban planning and architectural prowess of the Assyrians.

During the medieval period, Dohuk was part of several Kurdish principalities, including the Bahdinan Emirate. Founded in the 14th century, the Bahdinan Emirate played a significant role in the political and cultural development of Kurdish society. The emirate was known for its fortified towns and castles, many of which still dot the landscape today.

In the 16th century, Dohuk came under Ottoman control, becoming part of the Mosul Vilayet. The Ottomans introduced new administrative structures, taxation systems, and architectural styles to the region. The influence of Ottoman rule is still evident in the old bazaars and caravanserais that can be found in the governorate.

Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I, Dohuk became part of the newly established Kingdom of Iraq in 1921. The region saw significant political and social changes as Iraq transitioned from monarchy to republic in the mid-20th century. The Kurdish population in Dohuk played a pivotal role in the struggle for Kurdish autonomy during this period.

In the late 1980s, Dohuk Governorate was heavily affected by the Anfal Campaign, a genocidal campaign led by Saddam Hussein's regime against the Kurdish people. Thousands of Kurds were killed, and many villages were destroyed. Despite this dark chapter, the resilience and cultural pride of the Kurdish people have led to a revival of the region in recent decades.

Since the establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in the early 1990s, Dohuk has experienced a cultural and economic renaissance. The city of Dohuk has transformed into a vibrant urban center, hosting universities, cultural festivals, and modern infrastructure. The preservation of traditional Kurdish culture, alongside modern development, makes Dohuk Governorate a unique and dynamic destination.

Dohuk Governorate is located in the northern part of Iraq. The closest international airport is Erbil International Airport (EBL), approximately 150 kilometers away. From Erbil, you can take a taxi or arrange for a private transfer to Dohuk, which typically takes around 2 to 3 hours by road. Additionally, there are buses and shared taxis (known locally as 'coasters') that operate between Erbil and Dohuk.

Within Dohuk Governorate, taxis are the most common form of transportation and are relatively affordable. For short distances, you can also use local buses or shared taxis. If you prefer more flexibility, renting a car is an option, but be aware that road conditions can vary. Walking is feasible in certain areas, especially in downtown Dohuk where many attractions are close to each other.

The official currency in Iraq is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, 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 in Erbil or other major cities before traveling to ensure you have enough funds.

Dohuk Governorate is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Some areas, particularly near the borders, may have heightened security concerns, so it is best to stay updated on travel advisories and consult local authorities if needed.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Dohuk has several hospitals and clinics that can handle medical emergencies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the governorate where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes when entering mosques and other religious sites. 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 Governorate 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 region's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the historic Lalish Temple, a sacred site for the Yazidi community. For a unique experience, take a trip to the nearby Zawa Mountain for stunning views of the area.