Historic homes in Duhok’s Akre face damage from heavy rainfall

DUHOK — A significant number of historic houses in Akre, many of which have been designated as cultural heritage sites, have sustained damage due to recent heavy rainfall. While some have been restored and repurposed as tourist attractions, others remain neglected, reflecting broader challenges in funding restoration efforts across the Kurdistan Region.

In Dohuk governorate, over 2,000 historic sites have been officially recorded, including nearly 2,000 historic homes. Of these, 1,800 are located in the Akre district, while more than 100 are in the city center of Dohuk.

Kaeify Mustafa Ali, director general of heritage in the Kurdistan Region, told 964media that most of Akre’s historic homes are privately owned. However, “many of these homes have clear signs of deterioration,” he said.

“Some of the homes have been restored, but due to the lack of necessary funding, we haven’t been able to complete restoration for all of them,” Ali added.

Ali explained that repeated requests for funding have gone unanswered. “We have made numerous appeals to allocate a budget for these homes, but so far, no response has been forthcoming,” he said.

The recent rainfall has exacerbated the situation, further damaging properties that have yet to be restored.

Some of the restored homes in Akre have been repurposed for tourism, highlighting the district’s potential as a cultural and historical destination. Officials hope to expand such efforts.

Earlier, Bekas Brifkani, director of Dohuk Heritage and Antiquities, stated that a portion of Dohuk’s historic homes had been included in preservation plans. Efforts are underway to collaborate with international organizations to develop a master plan for restoration, aiming to transform the sites into vibrant tourism hubs.

The 2021 Law on Management and Protection of Heritage and Antiquities in the Kurdistan Region classifies heritage sites based on age, with historic homes exceeding 200 years and artifacts over 100 years considered for special preservation.

Akre is nestled among three prominent mountains: Zawita, Gara, and Mateen. This unique topography has led to the development of traditional stone houses that ascend the steep slopes, creating a distinctive terraced landscape. These ancient dwellings, some dating back centuries, are constructed from local limestone, providing natural insulation against the region’s extreme temperatures.