Background

Amna Suraka, The Red Museum: A Testament to Kurdish Resilience

Explore Amna Suraka, the Red Museum in Sulaymaniyah, a powerful memorial to the Kurdish people's struggle for freedom and resilience.

4.4

Amna Suraka, or the Red Museum, in Sulaymaniyah, stands as a haunting memorial to the victims of Saddam Hussein's regime. Once the headquarters of the Iraqi Intelligence Service, it now documents the atrocities inflicted upon the Kurdish population, offering a deeply immersive and emotional experience.

A brief summary to Amna Suraka, Red Museum

Local tips

  • Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and have a more personal experience with the exhibits.
  • Allocate at least two hours to fully appreciate the museum's offerings and reflect on the history.
  • Photography is permitted inside the museum, allowing you to capture the powerful exhibits.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Taxi

    Taxis are the most convenient way to reach Amna Suraka from anywhere in Sulaymaniyah. They are readily available and can be hailed on the street. A 5-kilometer taxi ride typically costs between 4,000 to 5,000 Iraqi dinars (approximately $3 to $4 USD). Agree on the fare before starting the ride.

  • Public Transport

    While Sulaymaniyah lacks a comprehensive public bus network, some buses run along Saeed Kaban Street, where the museum is located. Look for buses heading in the direction of the museum and inform the driver you want to get off at Amna Suraka. The fare is very affordable. This option may require assistance from locals.

  • Walking

    Amna Suraka is located on Saeed Kaban Street in Sulaymaniyah. If you are already in the city center, walking is an option. Use a map to orient yourself and head towards the distinctive red buildings of the museum. Walking allows you to experience the city and its surroundings.

Unlock the Best of Amna Suraka, Red Museum

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Amna Suraka, Red Museum

Amna Suraka, meaning 'Red Security' in Kurdish, served as the northern headquarters of Saddam Hussein's Iraqi Intelligence Service. The complex, constructed in the 1980s, was designed to look like a bureaucratic center but functioned as a prison for internment, interrogation, and torture. Thousands of Kurds, along with Arabs and Christians, were imprisoned, tortured, and many were killed within its walls. The building's red color led to its grim nickname, the Red Prison. In 1991, during the Kurdish uprising, Peshmerga forces captured Amna Suraka after a fierce battle, liberating the prisoners. In 2003, the site was transformed into a museum to document the human rights abuses that occurred under Saddam Hussein's rule. The museum stands as a testament to the resilience of the Kurdish people. Visitors can explore the multi-story administrative building, left largely as it was on the day of its capture, with bullet-riddled walls serving as a stark reminder of the past. The Hall of Mirrors, a particularly moving exhibit, contains 182,000 shards of broken glass, each representing a Kurd killed during the Anfal campaign. There are 4,500 lights that represent the destroyed Kurdish villages. The basement displays haunting photographs of the chemical attack in Halabja. The museum also features exhibits displaying prison cells, torture methods, and personal stories of victims.

Popular Experiences near Amna Suraka, Red Museum

Popular Hotels near Amna Suraka, Red Museum

Select Currency