Halamata Cave: Ancient Assyrian Reliefs

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Discover ancient Assyrian art at Halamata Cave near Duhok, featuring well-preserved Maltai reliefs and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

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Halamata cave

Halamata Cave, located near Duhok in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, is an archaeological site famous for its Neo-Assyrian bas-reliefs, known as the Maltai reliefs. Carved into the cliffside around 704-681 BCE, these carvings offer a glimpse into the ancient Assyrian empire and its religious practices.

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 as the terrain around Halamata Cave can be rocky and uneven.
Bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months, as the area can be quite dry.
Consider hiring a local guide to enhance your understanding of the history and significance of the Maltai reliefs.
Check the weather conditions before your visit, as heavy rain can affect accessibility.

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Getting There

Taxi

From Duhok city center, take a taxi to Halamata Cave. Negotiate the fare beforehand; a typical ride costs approximately 10,000 to 15,000 IQD. The journey takes about 30 minutes. Ensure the driver knows the location or use the coordinates (36.8372579, 42.940795). There are no additional entry fees upon arrival.
Public Transport

From Erbil, take a bus or shared taxi to Duhok, which takes around 2-3 hours. Once in Duhok, hire a local taxi to Halamata Cave for 10,000-15,000 IQD. Alternatively, from Duhok city, take a bus or shared taxi towards Amedi. From Amedi, hire a taxi to the cave. Negotiate the fare before starting the journey. There are no additional entry fees upon arrival.
Walking

If you are near Zawa Mountain, you can walk to the cave. Follow local paths or ask locals for directions to RWPR+W83. Be prepared for a hike on uneven terrain, so wear appropriate footwear. Note that the final approach involves a descent down a rocky slope. There are no costs involved.

Discover more about Halamata cave

Halamata Cave, situated seven kilometers southwest of Duhok, is home to the Maltai reliefs, a set of four 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 depict a procession of nine figures, including the Assyrian king worshipping Mesopotamian deities.What makes the Maltai reliefs unique is their depiction of the king in front of anthropomorphic deities, unlike other Assyrian art that typically portrays the king worshipping symbols. The carvings, approximately six meters long and two meters high, were first photographed in 1909 by British explorer Gertrude Bell. Despite some vandalism and theft in recent years, the site remains an important cultural landmark.Visitors to Halamata Cave can appreciate not only the historical and artistic significance of the reliefs but also the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The cave is located on the slopes of Zawa Mountain, offering scenic views of the Duhok area. Exploring the cave and its surroundings provides a unique opportunity to connect with the region's ancient past.