If you want to experience a place where ancient history, incredibly friendly locals, and massive mountain peaks all meet in one spot, you have to visit the Iraqi side of Hawraman in the Halabja Governorate. It is an absolutely beautiful area where stone houses are built directly into steep cliffs, and the views are nothing short of magical.
What Makes Hawraman So Special?
1. The Famous Step-Villages (Biyara & Tawella)
Hawraman is famous for its unique stone-terraced architecture. In historical mountain towns like Biyara and Tawella, the houses are built out of local stone right against the mountain walls. Because the slopes are so steep, the roof of one family's house actually serves as the front courtyard or street for the neighbor living right above them! Walking through these vertical, narrow stone paths feels like stepping completely back in time.
2. Traditional Local Businesses
One of the most inspiring things you will notice when you visit the villages of Hawraman is how hardworking and active the local women are. In the local markets and along the village roads, women run many of the traditional stalls. They bake fresh, delicious local food, manage shopfronts, and create beautiful, authentic handmade items, bringing a wonderful, warm energy to the community's daily life.
3. The Living History of the Great Mosque of Khurmal
Nestled in the historic plains of the region lies Khurmal, home to one of the oldest and most important spiritual landmarks in all of Kurdistan—The Great Mosque of Khurmal. Believed by historians to have been founded around 639 AD during the early Islamic era, this site has stood for nearly 1,400 years. Its stunning 22-meter ancient brick minaret serves as an iconic symbol of the town, and for centuries, its classrooms were the beating heart of education, raising some of the greatest Kurdish scholars and poets in history.
4. Food Lovers (The Best Kebabs!)
If you get hungry after a long day of exploring, Hawraman has you covered with some of the most famous local flavors in the country. The Legendary Kebabs: The region is highly famous for serving some of the absolute best, most flavorful mountain kebabs in Kurdistan, cooked fresh over open fires. You will also find local women making fresh Kalana (a thin Kurdish flatbread stuffed with wild mountain greens and brushed with plenty of local butter) cooked right in front of you on a hot iron dome. The Famous Hawraman Walnuts (Gweez): Walking through the village markets of Byara and Tawella, you will see giant bags of locally harvested walnuts. Hawraman is home to nearly 100,000 ancient walnut trees—some are over 200 years old! Because they are fed by pure mountain springs, these walnuts have an incredibly rich, crisp flavor that draws buyers from all over Iraq. Locals call the walnut kernel mjgay (which means "brain" because it looks like one), and they make for an amazing, healthy snack to buy and take home. World-Class Pomegranates: Hawraman’s pomegranates are so sweet and high-quality that they are actually exported internationally! You can buy them fresh by the kilo at local stalls, try a cup of freshly squeezed, tart pomegranate juice, or buy a bottle of thick, homemade pomegranate molasses (Doshaw) to bring the taste of the mountains back to your kitchen. If you happen to visit in late autumn, you might even catch the massive annual festival where hundreds of local farmers display their harvest in a beautiful sea of ruby red.
Fun Things to Do in Hawraman
Timeless Threads: Try on Traditional Clothes & Klash
You cannot fully experience Hawraman without immersing yourself in the local style. The region takes immense pride in traditional Kurdish clothing. For men, you'll see the classic, warm felted wool vests (Faranji) and baggy trousers. For women, the outfits are an explosion of vibrant, sparkling colors and elegant patterns. This is also the birthplace of Klash—the legendary, ultra-comfortable white shoes hand-woven entirely from cotton and leather. Watching the local masters craft them by hand in the bazaar is mesmerizing, and buying a pair lets you walk the mountain paths just like a local.
Hike the Peaks to the Hidden Mountain River
If you love an adventure, the towering Hawraman Mountains offer incredible trails that almost anyone can enjoy without needing to be a professional climber. As you hike up the scenic paths of these majestic peaks, you will discover a spectacular, crystal-clear hidden river tucked away high up between the mountains—the perfect secret spot for a refreshing rest and amazing photos.
Ahmad Awa Waterfall & Zalm Village
You cannot leave Hawraman without visiting the stunning area around Zalm Village. This is the gateway to Ahmad Awa, one of the most iconic natural resorts in the region. Here, a magical waterfall cascades down a massive, high cliffside. Surrounded by cold springs and lush green trees, it’s a beautifully cool haven even in the middle of summer.
Horseback Riding & Motor sycle
If you want to explore the mountains and valleys with some excitement, you can hop onto a powerful 4-wheel motor to cruise through the rugged terrain, or go for a classic experience by renting a local horse to ride along the scenic, winding village trails.
Unwind in a Mountain Retreat
After a full day of riding, eating world-class kebabs, and trekking to waterfalls, you can use Maskan to book a cozy, traditional stone cottage or a beautiful mountain chalet to watch the sunset over the valleys.