A French heritage organization has begun restoring six historical sites in Amedi district, northern Duhok, the province’s Antiquities Department announced. Officials say the project will strengthen local tourism and preserve the region’s cultural legacy.
Bikhs Brevkani, director of Duhok Antiquities, stated that the French restoration company Expertises France, in cooperation with Arkes and Arar, will oversee the work. The initiative receives financial support from the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Zones (ALIPH) and the French Consulate General in Erbil. Brevkani noted that the project is expected to last about one year, during which the French team will work under the supervision of Duhok’s antiquities authorities.
The six sites scheduled for restoration include Qubhan School, the Great Mosque of Amedi, the Chaldean Church, the Princes’ Cemetery, Kura Seji, and Bir Hezan Tomb. Brevkani emphasized that these landmarks represent key elements of the region’s rich heritage and cultural identity.
He also highlighted that revitalizing these sites will attract both local and international tourists, creating economic opportunities while fostering awareness of historical preservation. Amedi’s historical locations serve as major educational and cultural resources, reflecting the diverse history of the Kurdistan Region.
Duhok province hosts around 2,700 historical and cultural sites out of nearly 5,000 across the Kurdistan Region. This restoration project positions Duhok as a leader in heritage preservation, offering long-term benefits for tourism and cultural development in northern Iraq.