Heritage Museum

Stepping into the Alqosh Museum of Heritage is like embarking on a journey through time, where the collected relics provide a glimpse into the town’s vibrant past. The Alqosh Heritage Museum is situated in the heart of the old town, has been a focal point for preserving the town’s rich history. Officially established in 2015, the museum is a treasure trove of over three thousand artifacts.

The driving force behind the Heritage Museum is Joseph Alyas, the director, and other devoted Alqosh residents. Their passion to protect the rich history of their community goes back to the 1980s, long before the museum became a reality. Over the years, they carefully collected a diverse range of artifacts, each with its own story to tell.

History of the Architecture

The Heritage Museum finds its home in a building with a captivating history of its own. This structure is over a century old and served once as the seat of the Archbishop of Alqosh.

The old building featuring a spacious rectangular courtyard, flanked by two-story structures that each have their unique character. The southern structure includes a cellar designed for storage and as cool resting space during the hot summer months. The upper part used to be a terrace with arches, which are walled up now. Inside the northern building there is a small entrance to a man-made cave, crafted for storage space. Such caves being integrated into buildings are very typical for this region and can be find as well in the town of Akre and even the Tour Abdin Region and more.

Later, the building underwent a transformation into a girls’ school, where nuns took on the role of educators. Remarkably, this school earned the distinction of being the first girls’ school established in modern Iraq. For decades, the echoes of learning and empowerment resonated within these walls. The school played a crucial role in the educational landscape of Alqosh, and its impact extended beyond the town’s borders. Many of its graduates pursued higher education in prominent cities like Mosul and Baghdad, leaving an indelible mark on the region’s academic history.

Collection

Within the Alqosh Museum of Heritage, you’ll find a captivating collection that spans centuries. The oldest artifact on display traces its origins back an impressive 400 years. Among the treasures are artifacts and ancient manuscripts that range in age from 100 to 180 years, providing a window into the town’s rich and diverse history. The museum’s exhibits extend beyond traditional relics to include a fascinating array of items that were an integral part of daily life in Alqosh. You’ll encounter ceramics, agricultural tools, traditional clothing, old stamps, tobacco pipes, and personal documents from earlier generations. Each piece carries with it a piece of the community’s story, offering a tangible connection to the past. Photographs, another gem in the collection, freeze moments in time, allowing visitors to witness the evolution of Alqosh through the lens of history. As you explore these artifacts, you’ll not only gain insight into the daily lives of the town’s residents but also appreciate the enduring cultural heritage that the Alqosh Museum of Heritage works tirelessly to preserve and share.