By Gharib Ali Salim
Jasana Cave is more than a natural formation — it is a living testament to key historical and political events in both past and present Kurdistan. Also known as the “Cave of Sheikh Mahmud Hafid,” it served as a base of operations during Sheikh Mahmud’s rebellion and remains deeply embedded in Kurdish collective memory.
Before Sheikh Mahmud launched his uprising against the British in 1923, the cave was an ordinary site. However, on February 3, 1923, it became a symbol of Kurdish resistance, especially after Sulaimani fell under British occupation. The rebel leader used the cave as his main hideout, established a printing press there, and published the first edition of his newspaper Bangî Haq (Voice of Truth) on March 2, 1923 — a period marked by revolutionary momentum in Sulaimani and surrounding areas. The newspaper’s editor-in-chief was the well-known intellectual and journalist Ahmad Khwaja.
More recently, Jasana Cave once again drew global attention — this time as a symbol of peace. On July 11, 2025, the cave hosted a historic disarmament ceremony involving 30 PKK fighters, who surrendered their weapons as part of the peace process between Turkey and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The ceremony, held in the Dukan district, marked the end of armed struggle for this group under the leadership of Abdullah Ocalan.
Over 300 people attended the event, including political representatives from the Kurdistan Region, the Iraqi federal government, Turkey, and civil society organizations. The event received wide international media coverage, transforming Jasana into a global symbol of peace, reconciliation, and cross-border dialogue.
Located 50 km northwest of Sulaimani on the Sulaimani–Dukan highway, the cave is nestled behind the village of Kani Khan in the Surdash subdistrict. The name “Jasana” is derived from a nearby village, though it is now more commonly referred to as Kani Khan Cave.
Facing the west, the cave opens toward a narrow gorge and high cliffs that offer striking geomorphological views. Just 40 meters from the cave is a small waterfall about 3 meters high, with variable water flow depending on the season. The area also boasts unique flora and fauna, tall trees, and natural shade, making it a cool destination during hot summers — temperatures rarely exceed 30°C. These features make Jasana an ideal site for nature lovers and eco-tourists.
Structurally, the cave is triangular, approximately 40 meters long and 9 meters high, with some inner sections reaching a width of over 7 meters.
Despite its significance, the cave has yet to be properly promoted as a tourist destination by local tourism authorities. However, in 2022, the Italian NGO UPP, in coordination with the Sulaimani Tourism Directorate, took initial steps to develop the site by constructing eco-friendly walking paths, signposts, parking spaces, rest areas, and basic facilities to improve accessibility for visitors.
Although the cave has historical, political, and ecological value, no formal efforts have been made by Sulaimani’s tourism institutions to promote it on a larger scale. Jasana lies near other tourism hotspots such as Dukan, Chami Rezan, Tabeen, and Ziwe. A paved road now leads just 100 meters from the cave, making it easily accessible for visitors.
To elevate the cave’s profile, stronger cooperation is needed between the Sulaimani directorates of tourism, antiquities, and natural heritage. Authorities should advocate for Jasana to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and promote it globally as a symbol of Kurdish uprisings and peace-building processes.
Moreover, the burned weapons once held by PKK fighters inside the cave should be preserved and displayed in a dedicated “Museum of Peace.” This museum would honor Jasana ‘s dual legacy as a site of both resistance and reconciliation, drawing the attention of diplomats, historians, and international tourists. If this opportunity is missed, the region risks losing a golden chance to put Kurdish heritage and tourism on the global map — especially in Dukan district and the broader Kurdistan Region.