Touring Dohuk Iraqi Kurdistan

By Jonny Blair


Dohuk is an odd kind of town. You've never been in one like it before and you'll never be in one like it again. In fact, the nearest comparison I can make to Dohuk is with a town called Vank in Nagorno Karabakh. Basically Dohuk wants to be cool. It really wants to be. But it has a lot of barriers to overcome. Slowly but surely this town is becoming a decent spot for travellers. Even though you won't linger long (we stayed 2 nights), it's definitely worth a trip if you're touring Northern Iraq.

My top 5 things to do in Dohuk

1. Promenade Walk: The Corniche

Dohuk has a fantastic corniche which is basically a promenade which runs the length of the city. Take a leafy and leisurely stroll through Dohuk's promenade and you will love this beautiful town.

2. Dohuk Dam and Valley

This might just be your highlight from Dohuk. Walk out of town and you will see a massive dam which has been built against completely immaculate and scenic countryside. The walk takes you up a hill past a proud Kurdistan flag and then there it is - the Dohuk Dam.

You will love the amazing views from the Dohuk valley.

3. Waterfalls at Dohuk

Amazingly in Dohuk they have created these fake waterfalls which make for a cool tourist attraction. The locals love to walk past them and enjoy them. Photo taking also happens a lot here. The waterfalls are on the edge of town.

4. Dohuk Bazaar

It seems that every city or town of any decent size in Iran, Iraq and Turkey has a bazaar. Dohuk's is colourful and has all the usual stuff - fruit and veg stalls, drinks, clothes, nik baks, electronics etc.

5. Art Gallery in Dohuk

We couldn't get inside the days we were there but this place has a load of Kurdish Art which for sure will be unique and interesting.

So you'll not be short of things to do in Dohuk. There are also a load of cool restaurants including Omara Restaurant Dohuk and many in and around the bazaar. Smoking shish is a common pastime too on the streets - but its 100% guys doing it - as a foreigner you'd probably be the only girl there smoking.




About the Author: