Duhok is a city in the Kurdistan Region, located in the northern part of the country on the banks of the Tigris River. It is the capital of Duhok Governorate and one of the largest cities in Kurdistan. Duhok, nestled amidst the mountains of Kurdistan, is a hidden gem in Kurdistan Known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, this city offers a unique blend of culture and adventure. The city has a moderate climate with hot summers and mild winters. Duhok is a Major agricultural center, known for its olive production. In this blog post we will explore 10 Fun facts about Duhok.
List of facts about Duhok:
1. Oldest school in Kurdistan
Seventy kilometers south of Duhok lies the picturesque town of Amedi, a place brimming with cultural heritage. Nestled alongside the Tigris River sit the ruins of the Qubahani School, one of the oldest schools in the Kurdistan Region. Dating back to 1534, it was built by Sultan Hussein Wali, king of the Badinan Dynasty.The school welcomed imams and scholars from Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Syria and further afield for hundreds of years.Teaching Quran and Sharia, as well as philosophy, mathematics, engineering, medicine and astronomy, scientists who graduated from the school went on to serve the Ottoman Empire.
2. Safest city in Kurdistan and Iraq
The city of Duhok has rightfully held the title of being the safest in Iraq and Kurdistan for over three decades. It has not witnessed any terror attacks since 1997, boasting the lowest kill rate across all of Iraq. The city has also experienced no foreign abductions or fatalities since 1991.
3. Cleanest city
One of the most interesting facts about Duhok is its clean and green environment. The city has implemented stringent environmental regulations and invested heavily in waste management infrastructure, resulting in consistently low pollution levels and a visually appealing urban landscape.
It’s fascinating to note that Duhok is known for its remarkable environmental sustainability. Weather and environmental agencies consistently recognize the city as the cleanest in both Iraq and Kurdistan, highlighting its clean streets, green spaces, and efficient waste management systems.
4. Badini dialect
The Badini dialect of the Kurdish language originated in Duhok city, which is widely considered its birthplace. The standard Kurmanji dialect is primarily based on the Duhok dialect, serving as a bridge between different Kurdish dialects and regions. Duhok’s dialect is renowned for its beauty and romanticism among Kurds.
5. Diversity and Co-existence
Duhok Governorate is predominantly inhabited by Kurds, with significant Assyrian and Armenian minorities. The majority of the population follows Islam, with significant Yazidi and Christian communities. Duhok’s diverse population has fostered a rich cultural heritage and peaceful coexistence throughout history.
6. Archaeology
Duhok is rich in ancient history and archaeological discoveries. In 2020, researchers unearthed an ancient tablet dating back to 165 B.C. in the Balyuz hills, west of Duhok City. The inscription references Demetrius, the ruler of the region at the time. Another notable archaeological site near Duhok is Halamata Cave, home to Assyrian relief carvings known as the Maltai Reliefs, associated with the construction of the Assyrian canal system.
7.Home of Refugees
Duhok is renowned for its hospitality and welcoming nature. The city has received a significant influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs) since the Islamic State expansion in 2014. Approximately 326,106 IDPs from the Yazidi and Assyrian communities found refuge in Duhok, following the fall of Mosul and the Nineveh Plains region. The city has also witnessed the tragic Sinjar massacre in which over 5,000 Yazidis were killed by the Islamic State. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), IDPs in Duhok are distributed across 169 different locations.
