Charsteen Cave, One of the Oldest Archaeological Sites in Nohadra (Duhok), Reopens to Visitors 

Nohadra (Duhok), Kurdistan Region of Iraq — Charsteen Cave, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Nohadra (Duhok), has been restored and reopened to tourists. Dating back thousands of years, the site underwent extensive restoration through the efforts of the Directorate of Antiquities in Nohadra (Duhok), in collaboration with international organizations.

Speaking on the cave’s historical value, Bex Al-Brifki, Director General of Antiquities and Heritage in Nohadra, emphasized its cultural significance and outlined the Directorate’s efforts over the years to secure international support for its restoration.

“These efforts have finally paid off,” Al-Brifki stated, highlighting contributions from the European Union, which allocated approximately $900,000 toward site improvements. Additionally, the Nohadra (Duhok) Governorate invested 150 million Iraqi dinars to further support the restoration process. 

Extensive Renovations for Tourism Readiness 

Over the past three years, major developments have transformed Charsteen Cave into a fully accessible tourist site. These enhancements include the construction of a new access road, the installation of lighting along pathways, expanded greenery around the site, surveillance camera setups, and informational signage to enrich visitors’ experience.

Charsteen Cave is not only an important archaeological landmark but also a testament to the way of life of ancient inhabitants in the region, dating back nearly 12,000 years BCE. Now restored, it stands as a premier destination for cultural exploration and tourism.