ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Archaeologists have uncovered remnants of the Halaf civilization, dating back 7,000 years, in Soran, northeast of the Kurdistan Region.
Abdulwahab Sulaiman, Director of the Soran Archaeology Department, shared with Rudaw that the discoveries include advanced architecture and construction remains from the Halaf period.
“We also found bear bones, symbolizing power and strength from that era,” Sulaiman explained, in addition to “exquisite pottery items, delicate, beautifully colored, and from the Halaf civilization, dating back 7,000 years.”
The site spans 500 square meters and is located in a populated area. Excavations have been ongoing for seven seasons, conducted by teams from the Autonomous University of Barcelona and Salahaddin University.
Archaeologist Maryam Gomez, a member of the excavation team, explained, “This is my third campaign here. My findings show that most of the wood discovered comes from the mountains and riverbanks, suggesting that people from the Neolithic Age used these woods at their activity sites.”
Gomez also found “seeds and burnt remains,” which indicate that agriculture and the harvesting of fruits from the mountains and forests were practiced for food. "All of this has been documented," she added.
All discovered artifacts belong to the Kurdistan Regional Government, and the research is a collaborative effort between the two universities. Plans are in place to establish a local museum to preserve and display the findings.
Rajab Zubair, the Soran District Commissioner, told Rudaw, "We aim to build a dedicated museum to showcase the archaeological pieces, allowing visitors to learn about the history and civilization of this area. At the same time, it will help attract archaeological tourism."
In addition to the findings, human footprints dating back to the Stone Age have also been discovered in the Soran district of Erbil province.
According to Sulaiman, approximately 1,200 archaeological sites are registered in Soran.
The Kurdistan Region is home to a wealth of archaeological sites, ancient cities, and religious landmarks that bear witness to thousands of years of continuous civilization, including remnants from the Sumerian and Assyrian eras, as well as evidence of Neanderthal habitation.
