Halamata cave Travel Guide

Halamata Cave, an archaeological site located seven kilometers southwest of Duhok in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, is home to the Maltai reliefs. These Neo-Assyrian bas-reliefs, carved into the cliff-side above the village of Geverke, date back to the reign of King Sennacherib (704-681 BCE). The reliefs are associated with the northern canal system built to carry water to his capital, Nineveh.The Maltai reliefs consist of four panels, each approximately six meters long and two meters high, depicting a procession of nine figures. The carvings illustrate the Assyrian king worshipping the main divinities in the Mesopotamian pantheon. Unlike other Assyrian royal art, these reliefs uniquely show the king gesturing in front of anthropomorphic deities. British explorer Gertrude Bell first photographed the reliefs in 1909.Over the years, the site has faced challenges, including vandalism. In 2016, the reliefs were defaced with graffiti, and in 2018, a portion of the carvings was stolen. Despite these incidents, conservation efforts continue to preserve this invaluable heritage. Today, Halamata Cave offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness ancient artistry and connect with the rich history of the Assyrian civilization. The site provides a picturesque view of Duhok city.