Halamata cave, Wasit Travel Guide

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Explore ancient Assyrian art at Halamata Cave near Duhok, featuring well-preserved Maltai reliefs dating back to King Sennacherib's reign.

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Halamata cave

Halamata Cave, near Duhok, Iraq, is an archaeological site featuring the Maltai reliefs, four Neo-Assyrian carvings dating back to King Sennacherib's reign (704-681 BCE). These well-preserved carvings offer a unique glimpse into the art and religious practices of the Assyrian Empire.

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 comfortable shoes suitable for hiking on uneven terrain.
Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike to the cave.
Check with local authorities for the most current visiting hours.

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Explore Halamata cave on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Halamata cave, mapped for you.

Getting There

Taxi

From Duhok city center, a taxi is the most convenient way to reach the trailhead for Halamata Cave. A taxi ride to the base of Zawa Mountain, near the village of Malthai, typically costs around 7,000 IQD. The driver can drop you off near the electricity pylon and blue-roofed huts, which marks the start of the trail leading to the cave. From there, follow the path, keeping an eye out for red arrows, though they may be weathered. Be aware that the trail can be challenging to find initially.
Walking

If you are already in the vicinity of Halamata Cave, you can walk from nearby areas. Follow local paths or ask locals for directions to RWPR+W83, as they will be familiar with the area. Ensure you have appropriate footwear for hiking, as the terrain may be uneven.

Discover more about Halamata cave

Halamata Cave, situated seven kilometers southwest of Duhok in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, is home to the Maltai reliefs, a series of Neo-Assyrian bas-reliefs. Carved into the cliff-side above the village of Malthai, these carvings are approximately six meters long and two meters high. They depict a procession of nine figures, including the Assyrian king worshipping the main divinities of the Mesopotamian pantheon.These reliefs date back to the reign of King Sennacherib (704-681 BCE) and are associated with the northern canal system built to carry water to his capital city of Nineveh. What sets the Maltai reliefs apart is their unique iconography; unlike other examples of Assyrian royal art, these reliefs show the king gesturing in front of anthropomorphic deities, offering invaluable insights into the religious and political landscape of the Neo-Assyrian period.First photographed by British explorer Gertrude Bell in 1909, Halamata Cave has since attracted historians, archaeologists, and tourists. Despite facing challenges such as vandalism and theft in recent years, ongoing conservation efforts aim to preserve this invaluable heritage for future generations.