Erbil Observatory, Astronomical observatory at Mount Korek, Rawanduz, Iraq.
Erbil Observatory is an astronomical research facility located on Mount Korek in the Rawanduz region, equipped with multiple telescopes for celestial observation. The installation operates at significant elevation and was designed to gather astronomical data from this remote mountain location.
The facility was established in the 1970s as a major national research project with international participation and expertise. This creation reflected the country's scientific ambitions during that era and brought together resources and knowledge from multiple nations.
The observatory participates in international scientific collaboration through membership in the International Astronomical Union, which Iraq joined in 1976.
The site sits in a mountain region with harsh weather conditions, especially during winter months when heavy snow falls frequently. Visitors should prepare for difficult road access and limited accessibility if weather turns unfavorable.
The facility has been discovered by contemporary artists as a subject for documentation and artistic exploration in recent years. This artistic attention has brought an alternative perspective to the site and its role in the broader landscape.
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