Travel Guide to Zakho
Discover Zakho in Iraq: A blend of ancient history, natural beauty, and vibrant Kurdish culture, offering an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience.
Zakho: The Hidden Gem of Northern Iraq
Nestled in the heart of the Kurdistan region of Iraq, Zakho is a city that offers both historical intrigue and natural beauty. As a tourist destination, it promises an authentic experience far removed from the typical tourist trail. The city is situated near the border with Turkey, making it a significant cultural crossroads with a rich history dating back to ancient Mesopotamia. A visit to Zakho is incomplete without exploring its historic sites, such as the Delal Bridge. This ancient stone bridge, also known as Pira Delal, is an iconic landmark that has stood for centuries, offering picturesque views of the Little Khabur River. Another must-see is the Zakho Castle, a testament to the city's strategic importance in various historical epochs. Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to admire in Zakho's surrounding landscapes. The city is bordered by lush valleys and rolling hills, ideal for hiking and picnicking. The nearby mountains provide a perfect backdrop for photography and offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The local culture in Zakho is vibrant and welcoming. Visitors can experience traditional Kurdish hospitality and cuisine, which features a variety of delicious dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The city's markets are bustling with activity, offering a wide range of handcrafted goods, from intricate textiles to beautiful pottery. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or someone looking to experience authentic Kurdish culture, Zakho has something to offer. Its unique blend of history, nature, and culture makes it a hidden gem worth discovering.
Local tips in Zakho
- Visit during spring or autumn for the best weather and to avoid the summer heat.
- Hire a local guide to explore the historical sites for a richer understanding of the city's past.
- Try local dishes such as kebabs and dolmas at family-run restaurants for an authentic taste of Kurdish cuisine.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city's historic sites and natural landscapes.
- Check local regulations and border conditions if planning to visit the nearby Turkish border.
Popular Attractions in Zakho
Zakho, located in the heart of the Kurdistan region of Iraq, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the ancient Delal Bridge, a marvel of engineering dating back to the Roman era, as well as the stunning Zakho Citadel with its panoramic views of the city. The bustling bazaars and markets are a feast for the senses, filled with colorful textiles, spices, and local handicrafts. Nature lovers can venture into the nearby mountains and forests, where they can hike, camp, and discover hidden waterfalls and caves. With its warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and rich history, Zakho is a destination not to be missed.
-
Explore the breathtaking Dalal Bridge, an iconic structure in Duhok Governorate offering stunning views and a serene atmosphere for all visitors.
-
Experience the joy of adventure and family fun at Happy Park, Zakho's premier theme park with thrilling rides and enchanting ambiance.
-
Discover the enchanting Bahri Cave in Zakho, a natural marvel that showcases stunning rock formations and rich historical significance.
-
Discover the tranquility of Shahidan Park in Zakho, a beautiful escape into nature filled with lush landscapes and serene pathways.
-
Experience the vibrant beauty of Zakho Corniche, a scenic riverside promenade perfect for relaxation and cultural exploration.
-
Discover the enchanting Delal Bridge in Zakho, a historic landmark showcasing stunning architecture and breathtaking views in Duhok Governorate.
-
Discover the serene landscapes and vibrant flora of Parka Dan eamra, a hidden gem in Zakho perfect for nature lovers and relaxation seekers.
-
Explore the natural beauty and rich culture of Khabeer Nah Hayat in Zakho, a hidden gem in the Duhok Governorate of Iraq.
-
Uncover the rich history of the region at Zakho Museum, where ancient artifacts and cultural exhibits bring the past to life.
-
Experience the breathtaking beauty and cultural richness of Pira Delal, a captivating bridge in Zakho, Duhok Governorate, perfect for all travelers.
-
Experience the natural beauty and tranquility of Panorama Park in Zakho, a perfect escape for relaxation and family fun amidst stunning landscapes.
-
Discover the tranquil beauty of Life Park in Zakho, a peaceful garden perfect for relaxation, picnics, and family outings amidst nature's splendor.
-
Experience the tranquil beauty of Zaxo Park, a hidden gem in Duhok, where nature and serenity come together in perfect harmony.
-
Discover tranquility at صالح يوسفى Memorial Park in Zakho, where nature and history intertwine for a memorable experience.
-
Experience the tranquil beauty of Kovan Park in Zakho, a serene escape perfect for relaxation, picnics, and enjoying nature's splendor.
-
Experience tranquility and natural beauty at Pariki Park in Zakho, Duhok Governorate, a perfect retreat for nature lovers and peace seekers.
-
Experience the serenity of گوندێ سپی (القرية البيضاء) in Duhok Governorate, a picturesque park perfect for relaxation, picnics, and nature exploration.
-
Experience the beauty and tranquility of mshtala.kashan Garden, a peaceful retreat in the heart of Duhok Governorate, perfect for all nature enthusiasts.
-
Explore the serene beauty and vibrant culture of Porto Marina in Duhok Governorate, an unforgettable destination for relaxation and adventure.
-
Experience the natural beauty and tranquility of Batefa Park, a serene retreat in Zakho perfect for leisurely strolls and family picnics.
-
Explore the serene beauty of Pira Delal Park in Zakho, a perfect escape for nature lovers and families seeking relaxation in the Duhok Governorate.
-
Discover tranquility at پارکا پیرە مێرا, a serene park in Zakho perfect for relaxation and enjoying nature's beauty.
-
Experience the lively culture and heritage of Zakho at Newroz Square, a vibrant hub for locals and tourists alike.
-
Explore the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage at فیرەکێن تاخێ نەوروز in Zakho, a must-visit tourist attraction in Duhok Governorate.
-
Discover the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of سركو in Duhok Governorate, a hidden gem in Iraq for adventurous travelers.
-
Experience the tranquility and natural beauty of Zakho's Garden, a serene oasis in the heart of Kurdistan, perfect for relaxation and exploration.
-
Discover the tranquil oasis of Jiyan Park in Zakho, where nature meets culture for a perfect day of relaxation and exploration.
-
Experience the tranquility and beauty of باخچێ سناعێ 2, a serene park in Zakho, perfect for relaxation and family outings amidst nature.
-
Experience the serene beauty and tranquility of Dasik Park in Zakho, a perfect natural escape for tourists seeking relaxation amidst nature.
-
Explore the tranquility of باخچە, a stunning garden in Zakho, where nature meets serenity in a picturesque setting.
-
Explore باخچێ تەناهی, an enchanting garden in Zakho, Kurdistan, where nature's beauty and cultural richness intertwine.
-
Experience tranquility at فلكا ئەیلول, a beautiful garden in Zakho, Duhok Governorate, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into nature's splendor.
-
Explore Gondekeshan Park in Zakho: A Serene Oasis of Nature Perfect for Relaxation and Family Fun.
-
Experience the tranquil beauty of باخچێ سناعێ 1 in Zakho, a perfect escape for nature lovers and families seeking relaxation amidst lush greenery.
-
Explore Nawroz Moll Park in Zakho, where lush greenery meets tranquility, perfect for relaxation and family fun amidst nature's beauty.
-
Experience the serene beauty of باخچێ بێدارێ, a tranquil garden oasis in Zakho, Duhok Governorate, perfect for relaxation and nature lovers.
-
Discover tranquility in پارکا نەوروز, a beautiful park in Zakho, Kurdistan, perfect for relaxation and family outings amidst nature.
Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Zakho
When is the best time to go to Zakho?
Local Phrases about Zakho
-
- Helloسڵاو
[sllaw] - Goodbyeبهدرود
[bedrud] - Yesبەڵێ
[belle] - Noنەخێر
[nekherr] - Please/You're welcomeتكایه
[tekaye] - Thank youسوپاس
[supas] - Excuse me/Sorryببخشە
[bebkheshe] - How are you?چۆنی هەیەت؟
[choni hayet?] - Fine. And you?باشە. توێتا؟
[bashe. tweta?] - Do you speak English?زمانی ئینگلیزی دەتوانیت بەکاربێنیت؟
[zmani englizi detwanit bekarebinit?] - I don't understandنە فەهمم
[ne fehamam]
- Helloسڵاو
-
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseدەتەوێت منوعە ببینیت، تكایه
[detewet menua bbinyet, tekaye] - I don't eat meatمن گۆشت نەخوازم
[min gosht nekhwaizm] - Cheers!سوتان بەخیر
[sutane bekheir] - I would like to pay, pleaseدەتەوێت پارە بدەیت، تكایه
[detewet pare bdeyet, tekaye]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseدەتەوێت منوعە ببینیت، تكایه
-
- Help!یارمەتی!
[yarmeti!] - Go away!بڕێ
[brey] - Call the Police!پۆلیس بپێ
[police bpe] - Call a doctor!دکتۆر بپێ
[doctor bpe] - I'm lostگومانم
[gumanam] - I'm illمن تایبەتم
[min taibetam]
- Help!یارمەتی!
-
- I'd like to buy...دەتەوێت خرید بکەیت...
[detewet khreed bkayet...] - I'm just lookingمن تەنها دەژمانم
[min tenha dezhamanam] - How much is it?چەقدارێك؟
[cheqadarek?] - That's too expensiveئەوە زۆری گرانە
[awe zori gran] - Can you lower the price?دەتوانیت نرخ کەمبکەیت؟
[detwanitet nirkh kambkyet?]
- I'd like to buy...دەتەوێت خرید بکەیت...
-
- What time is it?چەند واژەیە؟
[chand wazhea?] - It's one o'clockیەک واژەیە
[yek wazhea] - Half past (10)نیم واژە
[neem wazhea] - Morningصبح
[sobh] - Afternoonدوپەڕ
[doper] - Eveningشۆفە
[shofe] - Yesterdayدووروز
[dowroz] - Todayئەمڕۆ
[amro] - Tomorrowسبوت
[sabot] - 1یەک
[yek] - 2دوو
[dow] - 3سێ
[se] - 4چوار
[chwar] - 5پێنج
[penj] - 6شەش
[shesh] - 7حەوت
[hewt] - 8هەشت
[hasht] - 9نۆ
[no] - 10دەی
[dey]
- What time is it?چەند واژەیە؟
-
- Where's a/the...?لەکوێیە...؟
[lekoye...?] - What's the address?ناونیشان چیە؟
[nawneeshan chye?] - Can you show me (on the map)?دەتوانیت پیشانم بدەیت (لەسەر نەخشە)؟
[detwanitet peshanam bdeyet (leser nekhshye)?] - When's the next (bus)?کاتێک (ئاوتۆبوس) ئەبێت؟
[katek (awtobus) abet?] - A ticket (to ....)بلیتی (بۆ ....)
[bleety (bo ....)]
- Where's a/the...?لەکوێیە...؟
History of Zakho
-
Zakho's history dates back to ancient times, with evidence suggesting that it was inhabited during the Assyrian period. The region has been a crossroads of various civilizations due to its strategic location near the Tigris River and the border of Turkey. Archaeological findings indicate that Zakho was a significant settlement in the Assyrian Empire, serving as a military and trade hub.
-
During the medieval period, Zakho became part of the Abbasid Caliphate. The town flourished as a center of Islamic learning and culture. The Abbasids established several institutions and mosques in Zakho, contributing to its development as a prominent center for scholars and traders.
-
Zakho came under Ottoman rule in the 16th century. The Ottomans recognized the city's strategic importance and fortified it. The architecture from this period, including traditional Ottoman houses and public buildings, still stands today. Zakho served as a crucial administrative and military center for the Ottomans, linking the empire's eastern provinces with the rest of the territory.
-
In the 20th century, Zakho became a focal point in the Kurdish struggle for autonomy. The city witnessed several uprisings and conflicts between Kurdish forces and the Iraqi government. Zakho's population played a significant role in the Kurdish resistance, and the city became a sanctuary for Kurdish leaders. Today, Zakho is part of the autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq, reflecting its enduring spirit of resilience and cultural pride.
-
Zakho is renowned for its cultural diversity. The city is home to Kurds, Assyrians, Armenians, and Arabs, each contributing to its rich cultural tapestry. Traditional music, dance, and festivals from these communities are celebrated with great enthusiasm. The annual Newroz festival, marking the Kurdish New Year, is a highlight, featuring vibrant parades, traditional costumes, and communal feasts.
-
Zakho boasts several historic landmarks, including the Delal Bridge, also known as the Pira Delal. This ancient stone bridge, believed to date back to Roman times, spans the Khabur River and is a symbol of the city's heritage. Another notable site is the Zakho Castle, which offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. These landmarks provide a glimpse into Zakho's storied past and its architectural legacy.
Zakho Essentials
-
Zakho is located in the Dohuk Governorate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The nearest international airport is Erbil International Airport, approximately 240 kilometers away. From Erbil, you can take a taxi or a private car to Zakho, which typically takes about 3 to 4 hours by road. Alternatively, you can fly into Baghdad International Airport and then take a domestic flight to Erbil before continuing your journey by road. Another option is to fly into Turkey and cross the border at the Ibrahim Khalil border crossing, which is about 10 kilometers from Zakho.
-
Zakho is a relatively small city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are readily available and affordable. Public buses and minibuses (known locally as 'coasters') operate within the city and connect to nearby towns and cities. Renting a car is also an option for those who prefer to explore the surrounding areas at their own pace.
-
The official currency in Iraq is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it is advisable to carry cash. ATMs are available in Zakho, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in larger cities like Erbil before traveling to ensure you have enough funds. Exchange rates can vary, so it is recommended to exchange currency at official exchange offices or banks.
-
Zakho is generally considered safe for tourists, but it is always advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Some areas near the border may have higher security due to geopolitical issues, so always stay updated on current travel advisories. It's best to avoid any areas that local authorities or your accommodation advise against visiting.
-
In case of emergency, dial 104 for police assistance, 122 for medical emergencies, and 115 for fire services. There are local police stations and medical facilities available in Zakho. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
-
Fashion: Do dress modestly; avoid wearing revealing clothing, especially in religious or rural areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes when entering a mosque and dress conservatively. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight nod of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
-
To experience Zakho like a local, visit the local bazaars where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Kurdish goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Delal Bridge, a historic stone bridge that is a symbol of Zakho. For a unique experience, take a stroll along the Khabur River and enjoy the scenic views.
Nearby Cities to Zakho
-
Things To Do in Mosul
-
Things To Do in Erbil
-
Things To Do in Kirkuk
-
Things To Do in Sulaymaniyah
-
Things To Do in Vayk
-
Things To Do in Yerevan
-
Things To Do in Jermuk
-
Things To Do in Kapan
-
Things To Do in Aparan
-
Things To Do in Goris
-
Things To Do in Tsaghkadzor
-
Things To Do in Gyumri
-
Things To Do in Vanadzor
-
Things To Do in Dilijan
-
Things To Do in Baghdad