Heritage sites
Historic houses in Rawanduz at risk as preservation efforts continue
RAWANDUZ— Several historic houses in Rawanduz, notable for their cultural significance, continue to stand the test of time with some still inhabited while others risk collapse. Local authorities are actively working to preserve these structures.
Abdulwahab Suleiman, Director of the Soran Heritage Department, emphasized the importance of these efforts to 964media. “We have more than 20 historic houses registered as heritage sites. It is crucial to preserve at least 10 of these due to their historical significance,” he stated.
Located in the Erbil Governorate, approximately 100 kilometers northeast of Erbil, Rawanduz is nestled in a picturesque mountainous region of the Kurdistan Region. The city, once the capital of the Soran Principality, boasts neighborhoods that date back to the 19th century under the rule of Mir Muhammad, a noted ruler of the Soran Principality.
Highlighting the significance of one particular structure, Suleiman noted, “One of the houses was owned by a military official from that period, making its preservation particularly important.”
Despite its historical importance, the preservation of these structures has faced challenges. “Unfortunately, heritage preservation has not been prioritized as it should be,” Suleiman lamented. “Last year, one of these houses collapsed, which could have been prevented if timely action had been taken.”
Suleiman also touched on the architectural significance of these homes, highlighting their craftsmanship and potential as tourist attractions that could benefit the local community if restored properly.
Meanwhile, similar challenges are faced by Sulaymaniyah, where thousands of old houses are also at risk of collapse due to insufficient renovation funds. Sulaymaniyah was founded in 1784 by Ibrahim Pasha, ruler of the Baban Principality.
Hussein Hama Ghareeb, head of Sulaymaniyah Municipality, addressed legal conflicts impeding preservation efforts. “There are conflicts between heritage law and municipal law for the preservation of these buildings; currently, we are trying to address this issue,” Ghareeb explained. He further detailed, “Municipal laws allow for the renovation and retrofitting of buildings and their facades, but such provisions are absent in heritage laws.”
These statements underscore the ongoing struggle to balance preservation with modernization, a challenge that remains critical for maintaining the historical integrity of these regions.
Rwandz plants trees with a musical twist
Rawanduz herders use snow pits to secure water supply for summer months
Nearly 400 birds and wild animals set free in Rawanduz thanks to generous benefactor
