Zakho: The Hidden Gem of Northern Iraq

• 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]

• 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]

• 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]

• 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?]

• 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]

• 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 ....)]

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 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.