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Duhok National Museum: A Window to Kurdistan's Past

Discover Kurdistan's ancient past at the Duhok National Museum, showcasing artifacts from the Stone Age to the Islamic era.

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The Duhok National Museum, located in the city of Duhok, showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of the Kurdistan Region. Established in 2013, the museum houses a collection of artifacts dating back to the seventh millennium BCE, unearthed by Kurdish archaeologists in the Duhok region.

A brief summary to National Museum

  • R2W2+GWM, Duhok, Duhok Governorate, IQ
  • Monday 8:30 am-1 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-1 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-1 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-1 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-1 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the morning hours for a quieter and more personal experience.
  • Inquire about guided tours for in-depth knowledge of the exhibits.
  • Check for special exhibitions or events happening during your visit.
  • Confirm photography restrictions in advance, as some areas may have specific rules.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Bahdinan Square in the city center, head east on Al-Quds Street for approximately 1.5 kilometers. You'll pass shops and cafes along the way. The museum will be on your left, located just past a small park.

  • Public Transport

    Find a local bus or minibus heading towards the R2W2+GWM area. These can be found near the main square. Ask the driver to drop you off near the National Museum. The ride should take about 10-15 minutes, followed by a short walk to the museum entrance. A bus ticket within the city costs approximately 500 IQD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Duhok. A 5km taxi ride in Duhok costs around 12.1 USD. Ensure to agree on the fare before starting your journey.

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Discover more about National Museum

The Duhok National Museum serves as a significant repository of the region's history, displaying artifacts that narrate the story of civilizations that have inhabited the area. Though the museum currently displays around 700 artifacts, its collection consists of approximately 3,000 items, with plans underway to move to a larger facility with expanded exhibit space. The museum's collection includes a diverse array of objects, such as Roman coins, cuneiform texts, pottery, stone vases, oil lamps, glass bottles, medieval books, Greek texts, Neolithic statues, and jewelry. These artifacts offer insights into the cultural and historical evolution of the region, from the Stone Age to the Islamic era. The museum was initially established in 1989 but faced closure and evacuation of its artifacts to Baghdad during the Kurdish uprising in 1991. It officially reopened in 2013 and has since become a key attraction for tourists and locals interested in learning about the Kurdistan Region's heritage. The museum not only preserves historical artifacts but also exhibits elements of traditional Kurdish culture, including clothing, textiles, and musical instruments. While a visit to the museum provides an enriching experience, some visitors have noted issues such as inaccuracies in exhibit labels and a lack of Assyrian artifacts, considering the region's Assyrian history. Despite these points, the Duhok National Museum remains a valuable institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of the Kurdistan Region. A new, larger museum is planned to be built in Duhok, which will be similar to the Louvre Museum in Paris.

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