Qizkapan, Rock-cut tomb in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Iraq.
Qizkapan is a rock-cut tomb in Sulaymaniyah Governorate with three burial chambers carved directly into a cliff. Each chamber holds a rectangular stone coffin positioned in the left corner, and the walls display carved details.
The tomb dates to 600-330 BCE, a period when the Median and Achaemenid empires controlled the region. Its architecture blends features from both cultural periods, reflecting the transitions of power and influence.
The local Kurdish population calls this place Ashkawt, meaning cave of the abducted girl in their language. This name reflects how the site has been connected to a local story passed down through generations.
The entrance sits several meters above ground level, so sturdy shoes and careful footing are essential when climbing to reach it. Visiting during daylight hours helps you see the interior chambers clearly and move safely through the carved spaces.
This is one of only two known rock-cut tombs in Iraqi Kurdistan, making it a rare example of this burial technique in the region. The elaborate carvings and artistic details on the walls reveal the skill of ancient craftspeople.
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