Alqosh

Alqosh is a town in the hills of Nineveh Province, located about 45 kilometers northwest of Mosul, with numerous religious buildings and traditional stone houses. The layout spreads across several hills and creates a pattern of densely clustered homes, interrupted by churches and monasteries.

Early records mention the place around 750 BC during King Sennacherib's time, with archaeological findings discovered in Mosul. A continuous Christian presence developed over centuries, making it an important religious center.

The community speaks Aramaic in daily life and during religious ceremonies, keeping alive a language connected to the region's ancient past. This everyday use of the language shapes how people interact and celebrate together.

The terrain is hilly, so good footwear is needed to explore the different levels and visit the religious sites. The best time to visit is during moderate seasons when the weather allows for comfortable walks through the town.

The Rabban Hormizd Monastery, founded in 640 AD, is carved directly into the mountainside rocks above the town and overlooks the valley below. This stone-cut structure shows early Christian building techniques and attracts visitors interested in ancient construction.