A giant fossil weighing more than 350 kilograms may date back between 66 million and 145 million years
A rare giant fossil dating back to ancient periods of the Earth’s history has been discovered in Barsirin village in the Rawanduz district, Soran Independent Administration.
The fossil was found by a local resident and later handed over to the Soran Directorate of Antiquities and Heritage for preservation and further scientific study.
Shaduman Barsirini, the village mukhtar who discovered the fossil, said it was found on the banks of a river in the village. He said they initially brought the unusual-looking stone to their home as a decorative piece because of its attractive shape, without knowing whether it was naturally found in the area or had been carried there by the movement of the river.
Dr. Abdulwahab Suleiman, Director of Antiquities and Heritage in Soran, provided further details about the discovery, describing it as an exceptionally rare fossil. He said this was the first time a fossil of this type and such a large size had been discovered in the Kurdistan Region.
The fossil weighs more than 350 kilograms and measures more than one meter in diameter.
According to preliminary investigations, Suleiman said the age of the giant fossil is estimated to be between 66 million and 145 million years.
He said the discovery is significant not only because of its historical importance, but also because it could provide a new opportunity for researchers and geologists to study the natural history of the region.
Suleiman added that the discovery could also contribute to the archaeological and tourism importance of the area in the future.