Meet the Wonderful Side of Iraq
These photographs were taken in the north part of Iraq, a region called Kurdistan. The area is comprised of 78,736 km2, and has borders with Iran, Turkey and Syria. Unlike the southern part of the country, Kurdistan is largely mountainous and has several rivers flowing its regions making it a remarkable place for tourism and agriculture. Most of these photos weren’t taken by a high quality professional camera, however the beautiful climate of these areas make them look as such.
Allen Elia Seudin. M.A student at FLUL. Born in 1987, in the ancient Assyrian city of Iraq, Erbil, now the capital of Kurdistan. After my graduation from college, exploring nature has become one of my central passions. During those years I learned from the wilderness much more than I had been taught in society. I arrived to appreciate nature for all the bounties it provides human beings. While humanity has taken an extreme turn, the nature teaches us tranquility and the power of solidarity. It brings us to realize ourselves and our role in preserving the environment.
Acknowledgement: I am thankful for the professor Diana V. Almeida for her encouragement and support. I am also grateful to this University.
Interested to see and know more: alenelia@hotmail.com
This incredibly high mountain is called Hasen Bek. It is the fifth highest mountain in Iraq, between 2500-3000 m. above sea level. Nov-2011
On top of the Zozek mountain. This remarkable landscape reveals other mountains in the direction of Iraqi-Iranian border. Nov-2011
Limestone stalactite in an ancient cave which used to be a shelter for a monk in a Christian village called Bedial (in English- God House). This place has a 3894 mt mountain called Shireen which has more than 8 caves. Aug-2010
During Sunset. Sartiz mountain, Sep-2012
The largest number of wild animals found in mountains is a species of deers or wild goats. There are also bears, reptiles, very rare wild cats (tigers), numerous species of birds you probably have never seen before. Aug-2011
On top of Safeen mountain near Shaqlawa, 50 Km northeastern Erbil. A place known for its moderate climate in summer. Jan-2011
Usually, the snow starts to fall in November in mountains and in December in the low areas. The level can reach 2 m. high in certain areas. Dec-2012
An old deserted Assyrian cemetery with carved cross-shaped tombstones. Some of them also have circular signs in the middle. Apr-2011
Located close to the Turkish border, Sharansh has an amazing waterfall and some other recreational spots are found nearby. Aug-2012
The Great Zab River which runs from Turkey and joins Tigres River in a place near Kuwayr. Aug-2012
A Series of mountain ranges on the way to Ble and Barzan villages, near the Turkish border. Aug-2012
The road to a number of resorts, like Bekhal, Gali, Jundyan, Korek Mountain... etc. The area is a spot for tourists. Dec-2012
Over 1530 m. above the sea level Bradost Mountain is a place for a variety of wild animals. Jan-2013
The snow on top of the mountains melts down in sunny days to create these wonderful streams. Jan-2013
A grape vineyard covered with the first snow. Farmers grow various types of vegetables and fruits. Nov-2011
An old carved stone cross dating back to the year 461 AD. It is held on the entrance of Saint George church in Bedial village. Apr-2011
During a season when a disease spread among these wild goats and the reason was unknown for a long time. This could also have been a prey to some wild animal. Sep-2011
An old dying tree brings to mind the effects of global warming on nature, Sep-2011