Visit Kurdistan: Walk in the footsteps of Shanidar Cave – now a global tourism magnet
Shafaq News/ Tucked into the rugged cliffs of Bradost Mountain in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, Shanidar Cave (Neanderthals) stands as one of the world's most significant archaeological treasures. For decades, it has drawn historians, archaeologists, and adventure seekers. But today, this ancient wonder is witnessing a remarkable revival in global interest—thanks to the recent BBC-produced documentary 'The Real Neanderthal' streaming on Netflix.
Unearth the Past at Shanidar Cave
First excavated in the 1950s by archaeologist Ralph Solecki, Shanidar Cave gained international fame with the discovery of ten Neanderthal skeletons dating back 35,000 to 65,000 years. One particular find, Shanidar IV, sparked global intrigue due to the 'flower burial'—a possible sign of ritualistic funerals among Neanderthals that challenged long-held beliefs about their intelligence and emotional depth.
Alongside the Neanderthal remains, archaeologists have uncovered more than 30 proto-Neolithic skeletons from around 10,600 BCE, offering a rare, continuous glimpse into early human life and death.
A Tourism Renaissance Sparked by Netflix
According to the Directorate of Antiquities in the Soran Independent Administration, the documentary has dramatically boosted interest in the cave. Abdul Wahab Suleiman, head of the Directorate, told Shafaq News that following the film's release, more than two billion people worldwide searched for 'Kurdistan' online—driven by curiosity about the cave's ancient secrets.
'Thousands of interested individuals now want to visit this historical site to see firsthand where Neanderthals lived,' he noted.
In response to this surge, the local government—working in coordination with the University of Cambridge and the Erbil General Directorate of Antiquities—is launching a new tourism development plan. Projects include a dedicated archaeological museum near the site and a cable car to transport visitors from the mountain base directly to the cave entrance. These enhancements aim to turn Shanidar into a world-class heritage and tourism destination.
Set approximately 2,200 feet (670 meters) high in the Zagros Mountains, the cave is a scenic three-hour drive from Erbil International Airport. Though the final stretch includes winding mountain roads, the journey rewards visitors with breathtaking vistas and a profound sense of timelessness.
Inside, travelers can explore its vast chambers and intricate rock formations. Guided tours bring to life the scientific importance of the site, while surrounding trails offer hiking opportunities for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Visitor Farhad Hussein, who came with his family after watching the Netflix documentary, expressed enthusiasm but also highlighted gaps: 'We have a great interest in knowing what's inside this cave. But unfortunately, there are no tourist facilities here. We hope the government pays more attention to this area.'
Planning Your Visit
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most pleasant conditions for hiking and sightseeing. Summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F), while winters may bring snowfall and cold winds across the mountains.
Wear durable footwear for the rocky terrain, bring water for the hike, and carry a flashlight for navigating the cave's darker passages.
Why Shanidar Matters
Shanidar Cave is more than an archaeological site—it is a portal into humanity's prehistoric journey. With its stunning natural setting and profound historical significance, it bridges the ancient with the modern. Now, with the eyes of the world turning toward Iraqi Kurdistan, Shanidar offers travelers not just a destination, but an unforgettable story etched into stone.
Whether you're tracing the footsteps of Neanderthals, experiencing a cultural renaissance, or simply soaking in the majesty of the Bradost Mountains, a visit to Shanidar Cave promises an experience that will echo through memory—just as it has echoed through millennia.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
2 days ago
- Shafaq News
Centuries-old Al-Anbar waterwheels spin a comeback
Shafaq News - Al-Anbar In the city of Hit, Al-Anbar Province, where the Euphrates flows quietly between fields and palm groves, the wooden groan of spinning waterwheels, traditional hydraulic machines powered by the flow of the river, can still be heard. Some of these structures, over 400 years old, have been used for centuries to lift water into elevated basins, which then feed irrigation channels supplying farms and homes along the river. These structures are most prominent in the towns of Hit, Anah, Haditha, and Al-Qaim in Al-Anbar Province. Folklorist Mohammed Al-Heeti told Shafaq News these waterwheels are part of the city's social and cultural fabric. 'Each was once named after the family that built or cared for it and celebrated like the birth of a child.' Al-Heeti explained that Hit relied on these waterwheels to irrigate its orchards when farming extended along both banks of the Euphrates. 'What makes Hit's waterwheels special is that they are built entirely from local wood, without any metal parts.' Tourism Revival Environmental and tourism activist Mustafa Al-Aani, a native of Hit who guides visitors through the area, said tourism has risen steadily alongside improving security. 'Before 2018, no one dared come here,' he recalled. 'But now we've organized more than 40 tours, and the waterwheels are the main attraction.' He added that the tourists are amazed that the wheels run on water power alone, 'no motors. Some think they're decorative until we show them how they lift water to irrigate the land.' Last year, the 'Hit Waterwheel Park' underwent a voluntary restoration campaign supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and carried out by the Mercy Hands Organization, with help from local activists and the Youth Ambassadors program. Over three days, the team cleaned the park and riverfront, repaired lighting, and rehabilitated service facilities. Preservation Challenges Despite their historic and engineering value, fewer than 20 wheels remain, according to historians. Most have vanished due to the Euphrates water and dam construction. Yet local efforts continue to preserve what's left, as part of a growing movement—official and grassroots alike—to seek World Heritage recognition for Iraq's waterwheels as emblems of civilization and cultural identity. Nadia Al-Dulaimi, an expert in Islamic architecture and heritage, warned of improper restorations. Some repairs use synthetic materials instead of traditional wood, which compromises their authenticity and stability, she told Shafaq News. She also lamented that the waterwheels have yet to be recognized as part of Iraq's national heritage list, not to mention UNESCO's World Heritage list. 'This is an opportunity for local authorities and academic institutions to work together on a nomination.' Activist Ahmad Al-Rawi emphasized the need to involve residents in preservation efforts. 'Some old families still remember how these wheels were built, what each part is called, how to operate them.' 'In one project with students at the University of Al-Anbar, we've begun recording oral histories from elders about the waterwheels. We plan to publish a booklet soon.'
Shafaq News
2 days ago
- Shafaq News
Iran reopens west and central airspace after Israel conflict
Shafaq News – Tehran Iran has reopened key sections of its airspace to international overflights, easing restrictions imposed during its 12-day war with Israel, Iranian media reported on Saturday. Nour News, a state-aligned outlet, said that flights are now permitted through Iran's central and western corridors, following Thursday's partial resumption of domestic and international routes.
Shafaq News
5 days ago
- Shafaq News
Iran extends airspace closure amid security concerns
Shafaq News – Tehran Iranian authorities extended the suspension of all flights, domestic and international, until 2:00 pm local time on Thursday, citing ongoing emergency conditions linked to recent regional developments. Majid Akhavan, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, announced the continued closure, stating that the decision aims to ensure the safety of passengers and aviation operations. Speaking to Tasnim News Agency, Akhavan clarified that the measure was taken under Air Navigation Notice No. 19 (NOTAM) following recent security developments. He urged the citizens not to go to airports and to rely exclusively on official sources for updates. Several countries, including Iraq, have resumed air traffic after deeming it safe to do so, following temporary closures prompted by the outbreak of hostilities between Iran and Israel. Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump declared that Iran and Israel had agreed to a 'full ceasefire ', marking the official end of a 12-day war between the two nations.
