A Symbol of Coexistence and a Destination for Tourists
Many individuals have served humanity and left a profound impact on transforming lives (philosophers, scientists, innovators, and prophets). A significant number of prophets emerged from the Middle East, several of whom lived and passed away in Kurdistan, such as: (Noah, Abraham, Zoroaster, Daniel, Joseph, Nahum, and Job)—even if definitive evidence has yet to conclusively establish the exact locations of their birthplaces, graves, and shrines throughout Kurdistan. However, conclusive evidence clearly identifies the grave and shrine of Prophet Nahum in the Kurdistan Region, visited annually by numerous travelers. During a field visit, we visited the tomb and shrine of Prophet Nahum in Alqosh, and during this journey, we present several insights for you.
Geographic Location of the Shrine
The tombs of Prophet Nahum and his sister Sarah are located within the subdistrict of Alqosh, situated in its northwestern section. Alqosh lies 22 km west of the town (district) of Shekhan in the Kurdistan Region. Administratively, Alqosh belongs to the Tel Kaif District in Nineveh Governorate, nestled at the foot of the Alqosh Mountain range—a ridge that stretches from the town of Shekhan westward all the way to Fayda. Alqosh is 145 km from Erbil and 35 km from Duhok, and is secured by the Kurdistan Asayish and Peshmerga forces.
Who Was Prophet Nahum?
Prophet Nahum is one of the prophets of the Children of Israel (Judaism), renowned for his prophecies foretelling the fall of the Assyrian Empire and its capital, Nineveh. He lived during the Assyrian era; the Assyrian Empire collapsed in 612 BCE, fulfilling his prophecy. Prophet Nahum is known as “Nahum the Elkoshite,” signifying that he was born in the town of Alqosh in the Kurdistan Region, where he also passed away, was laid to rest, and whose tomb became a pilgrimage shrine. Some sources record that he lived in the 7th century BCE (between 726 and 697 BCE) during the era of Assyrian rule. Recognized and venerated as a prophet among both Jews and Christians, his shrine is also visited and revered by Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike.
Structure of Prophet Nahum’s Shrine
Following the restoration of the building erected to protect his grave, the structure now stands as a large hall serving as a shrine and sanctuary for Prophet Nahum’s tomb. In the northern part of the complex, an outer courtyard and plaza house the grave of his sister Sarah, with a section allocated for administration and shrine management. The shrine hall is entered through two gates; however, following restoration, the northern door adjacent to his sister Sarah’s grave is used for entry, while the second doorway remains preserved as a historic relic.
Inside lies an expansive hall resembling a large mosque sanctuary capable of accommodating up to 500 people. The hall’s ceiling is supported by a series of pillars that are slender at base level but expand and thicken as they rise, ultimately converging into arched spans whose center forms the shrine’s high dome, visible atop the building’s roof. Hebrew inscriptions adorn several alcoves and wall sections, while numerous niches and windows illuminate the interior hall. An iron railing surrounds the tomb to prevent direct physical contact. The tomb itself rests within a structure standing over a meter high, draped in green cloth.
After lying neglected for centuries, restoration work was launched in 2018 by the American heritage preservation organization ARCH alongside the Czech firm Gema Art. The project was temporarily halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic before reaching completion in 2021, rescuing the shrine from the imminent threat of collapse. It is now fully prepared to welcome tourists.
The Shrine as a Tourist Destination
Alqosh is a cultural and tourist township whose entire population adheres to Christianity. Within Alqosh, there is a cultural museum, along with numerous historic houses preserved in their ancient designs. To the south of Alqosh, a heritage village has been built, displaying hundreds of antique cultural tools and artifacts used throughout the region’s history. Approximately 3 km northeast of Alqosh lies the Monastery and Shrine of Rabban Hormizd, one of the oldest monasteries in Iraq. Together with the Shrine of Prophet Nahum, these antiquities and sanctuaries have become a prime tourist attraction; a large number of visitors traveling to the Kurdistan Region visit Alqosh and its shrines each year, while local Muslims and Christians regularly visit the shrine to offer prayers.
A Symbol of Coexistence
The villages surrounding the subdistrict of Alqosh comprise Christian, Yezidi, and Muslim communities. In particular, the Shekhan district is home to all three communities living together, rendering the region a prominent symbol of religious coexistence. For centuries, the Shrine of Prophet Nahum served as the primary pilgrimage site for the Jews of Kurdistan and Iraq (especially during the festival of Shavuot / Weeks). Concurrently, Christians have safeguarded the shrine for decades, revering it as a sacred site, while Muslims and Yezidis also honor and visit it. This shrine has evolved into an enduring emblem of peaceful coexistence and harmony in the region.
Travel Coordination for Visitors
Whenever you include this destination in your travel itinerary, it is advisable to be accompanied by a tour guide and to coordinate in advance with the subdistrict director or other Kurdistan Regional Government institutions in the area. The gates to the shrine, the Monastery of Rabban Hormizd, and the museums are not open around the clock; however, through prior coordination, all doors are readily opened to visitors. Special thanks to the subdistrict director who assisted me during this journey and arranged a guide for us.
Nadir Rosty