Halamata cave, Euphrates Region Travel Guide

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Explore ancient Assyrian history at Halamata Cave near Duhok, featuring remarkable Neo-Assyrian reliefs dating back to King Sennacherib.

Halamata Cave, near Duhok, Iraq, is an archaeological site featuring the Maltai reliefs, four Neo-Assyrian bas-reliefs carved into a cliff. Dating back to the reign of King Sennacherib (704-681 BCE), the carvings 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 near the cave.
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light for photography.
Consider hiring a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of the cave.

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Explore Halamata cave on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Halamata cave, mapped for you.

Getting There

Taxi

From Duhok city center, a taxi is the most convenient way to reach the trailhead for Halamata Cave. Negotiate the fare beforehand; a typical ride costs approximately 10,000 to 15,000 IQD and takes about 30 minutes. The driver should know the location, but it's helpful to have the coordinates (36.8372579, 42.940795) handy. The taxi will drop you off at the trailhead on Zawa Mountain. From there, follow the path down to the cave.
Walking

For those already on Zawa Mountain, locate the trailhead marked with red arrows. The path can be difficult to spot initially. Walk straight down the slope, slightly to the right, until you find the trail or reach a cliff. If you reach a cliff, turn right and follow the edge until you find the path running eastward. Follow the path into a small ravine, scramble down the rocky section, and continue until you see Halamata Cave below. The final descent takes a few minutes.

Discover more about Halamata cave

Nestled in the rugged landscape of the Duhok Governorate, seven kilometers southwest of Duhok, Halamata Cave holds the secrets of ancient Assyria within its rocky facade. The site is composed of four Neo-Assyrian bas-reliefs, known as the Maltai reliefs, carved into the cliff-side above the village of Malthai.The reliefs, approximately six meters long and two meters high, depict a procession of nine figures. These carvings date back to the reign of King Sennacherib (704-681 BCE) and are associated with the northern canal system built to carry water to his capital city of Nineveh. The reliefs are unique because, unlike other examples of Assyrian royal art, they show the king gesturing in front of anthropomorphic deities, offering insights into the religious and cultural landscape of ancient Assyria.Over the centuries, the reliefs have braved the elements, but have also suffered from vandalism and theft. In 2016, vandals spray-painted a Kurdish flag on the reliefs, and in 2018, a piece of the relief carvings was stolen. Despite these incidents, much of the ancient landmark remains relatively untouched, offering visitors a tangible connection to a bygone era.