Halabja, Kurdistan-Iraq

From the MIR trip bulletin: "A town around 50 miles southeast of Sulaymanayah, Halabja was the site of one of Saddam Hussein's most egregious atrocities. In March 1988 the Iraqui military dropped mustard gas and nerve agents on the town, killing as many as 5,000 and injuring many thousands more. Nowadays Halabja is peaceful, and a memorial and small museum exist to document the tragedy.

 

Bekhal Waterfall

 At the end of Hamilton Road, a popular tourist spot.

Hamilton Road

Hamilton Road, built by the British from 1928 to 1932, to connect Erbil with the Iranian border. The section through the Rawanduz Gorge is particularly scenic and a nice walk.

Shanidar Cave and Ralph Solecki

Read the sign in the first image below.

 

Dukan Dam and Lake Dukan

On the way to Shanidar Cave.

 

Barzani Genocide Memorial (4)

More architectural displays, with a beautifully situated graveyard at the end. A very moving and striking memorial. 

Barzani Genocide Memorial (3)

 The exterior of the Memorial has a fine painting gallery and some remarkable architecture.