Halamata cave, Kurdistan Region Travel Guide

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Explore Halamata Cave in Duhok: Discover ancient Assyrian carvings and Mesopotamian history in the heart of the Kurdistan Region.

Halamata Cave, near Duhok, Iraq, is an archaeological site featuring Neo-Assyrian bas-reliefs known as the Maltai reliefs. Carved into a cliffside, these 3,000-year-old carvings depict a procession of figures, offering a glimpse into the region's ancient past.

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 footwear for the hike to the cave, as the terrain can be uneven.
Bring water, especially during hot weather, as the area can be dry.
Consider hiring a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of the reliefs.

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Getting There

Taxi

From Duhok city center, take a taxi to the trailhead of Halamata Cave on Zawa Mountain. The taxi ride costs approximately 7,000 IQD. From the trailhead, follow the path down the mountainside for about two minutes, then branch off to the left to reach the cave.
Walking

For experienced hikers, it is possible to hike up Zawa Mountain to reach Halamata Cave. Find the trailhead by locating the five red arrows painted on a metal post on the right side of the road. Follow the path down, watching for a small ravine veering to the left, and then scramble down the rocky section to reach the reliefs.

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 Neo-Assyrian bas-reliefs. These carvings, dating back to the reign of King Sennacherib (704-681 BCE), are associated with the northern canal system built to carry water to his capital, Nineveh.The reliefs, approximately six meters long and two meters high, are carved into the cliff-side above the village of Malthai. They depict a procession of nine figures, including the Assyrian king worshipping the main divinities of the Mesopotamian pantheon. This unique iconography, where the king is shown with anthropomorphic deities, distinguishes them from other examples of Assyrian royal art.First documented by British explorer Gertrude Bell in 1909, Halamata Cave has attracted historians, archaeologists, and tourists. Despite some vandalism and theft in recent years, conservation efforts aim to preserve this invaluable heritage. Visitors can explore the site and witness firsthand the artistic and cultural achievements of ancient Assyria.