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Slemani Museum: A Window to Kurdistan's Past

Explore millennia of Mesopotamian history at the Slemani Museum, the second-largest museum in Iraq.

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The Slemani Museum in Sulaymaniyah is the second-largest museum in Iraq, showcasing artifacts from prehistoric times through the Ottoman period. It offers a rich glimpse into the history and cultural heritage of the Kurdistan region, with collections spanning millennia.

A brief summary to Slemani Museum

Local tips

  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's diverse collections.
  • Entry to the museum is free.
  • Visit in the spring or fall for milder temperatures.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Amna Suraka (Red Prison) for a comprehensive historical experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Slemani Museum is located on Şeqamî Bêxud in central Sulaymaniyah, making it easily accessible from many points in the city center. From Salim Street, a major thoroughfare, walk along side streets until you arrive at the museum. The museum is near other attractions, such as the Aylan Kurdi Monument and Amna Suraka. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are the most common and convenient way to get around Sulaymaniyah. They can be hailed on the street or booked through your hotel. A 5-kilometer taxi ride in Sulaymaniyah typically costs between 4,000 to 5,000 Iraqi dinars (approximately $3 to $4 USD). Ensure the taxi is an official yellow taxi with a 'TAXI' sign.

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Discover more about Slemani Museum

The Slemani Museum, also known as Slemani or Sulaymaniyah Museum, is an archaeological museum in the heart of Sulaymaniyah in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As the second-largest museum in Iraq after the National Museum in Baghdad, it plays a vital role in preserving and showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage. Founded in 1961, the museum's initial collection was housed in a small building in the Shorsh District. In 1980, it moved to its current, larger building on Salim Street. The museum's exhibits span from the prehistoric period to the late Islamic and Ottoman eras. Visitors can explore artifacts from Paleolithic caves, early agricultural settlements, and ancient sites across Iraqi Kurdistan. The museum has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including collaborations with UNESCO. These efforts have led to the creation of new galleries, such as the Prehistory Gallery, which focuses on climate change, sustainability, and community development, and the Paikuli Gallery, which displays stone blocks and sculptures from the Sasanian king Narseh's monument. There's also a dedicated space for children called "Slemani Museum Kids". The Slemani Museum not only serves as a repository of historical artifacts but also as an educational center, with programs for local schools and scientific laboratories for the analysis and conservation of ancient materials.

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