Nemrik 9, Archaeological site in Duhok Governorate, Iraq.
Nemrik 9 is a tell with round mudbrick buildings, interior benches, and shared courtyards positioned on a high terrace overlooking the Tigris River. The site spans roughly 1.8 hectares at an elevation that offers views across the river valley below.
The site dates to around 9800 BCE and contains evidence of multiple occupation periods during the early Neolithic era. Polish archaeologists from the University of Warsaw conducted systematic excavations from 1985 to 1989 that revealed these settlement layers.
The carved bird heads and ornamental objects found here suggest early religious beliefs and artistic interests among the first inhabitants. These items reveal how people expressed meaning through their creations.
This remote site requires advance coordination with local authorities in Duhok Governorate and your own transportation to reach it. Before visiting, check current access conditions as the location is not set up for regular tourist visits.
The excavated buildings reveal early understanding of intentional design, with round rooms and built-in seating areas suggesting residents understood comfort and social gathering. The careful construction hints at planning beyond simple survival shelters.
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