Bakr Awa: Echoes of Ancient Mesopotamia

Bakr Awa, an archaeological tell located near Halabja in the Sulaymaniyah Governorate, offers a glimpse into the long and varied history of Mesopotamia. This significant site, situated in the fertile Shahrizor Plain, reveals layers of civilization spanning from the Early Bronze Age (3rd millennium BC) to the Islamic period. The tell, rising 40 meters above the surrounding plain, comprises a central settlement mound and a lower city, indicating a once-thriving urban center. Archaeological investigations, including those by Ephraim Speiser in 1927 and later by Iraqi and German teams, have unearthed a wealth of artifacts and architectural remains. These finds shed light on the cultural, economic, and political connections of Bakr Awa throughout its history. Excavations have revealed traces of settlements from various periods, including the Early Dynastic and Jemdet Nasr periods, the Neo-Assyrian and Achaemenid Empires, and the Abbasid and Ottoman periods. Pottery, architecture, and other artifacts showcase influences from northern and southern Mesopotamia, as well as connections to regions like Urartu and Media. Today, Bakr Awa continues to draw archaeologists and visitors interested in exploring Iraq's rich cultural heritage.