Rich Content — Archaeological Discovery in Khanke, Duhok

Khanke-Duhok, — Under the auspices of Governor Dr. Ali Tatar and in coordination with the Directorate of Antiquities and Heritage, an archaeological team led by Dr. Bekas Brifkani and supervised by the Department of Archeology at the College of Humanities, has inaugurated a significant excavation project near Khanke, Duhok Governorate — revitalizing a monumental chapter of regional history.

Re-emergence of a 5,000-Year Legacy

A dramatic drop in the Mosul Dam reservoir has unveiled a previously submerged archaeological landscape. The exposed site includes a cemetery of approximately 40 Hellenistic-era clay coffins, estimated to date back over 2,300 years — placing them around the Seleucid period. Excavations commenced swiftly once the reservoir reached its lowest water levels this year GreekReporter.comBasNews.

Alongside the graves, the team has uncovered traces of an ancient settlement believed to have sustained human activity for over five millennia, offering an extraordinary window into ancient Mesopotamian lifeways BasNewsArkeonews.

Why This Matters – Historical & Cultural Significance

• Hellenistic Seleucid Heritage: The clay coffins and associated artifacts enrich our understanding of cultural interactions in northern Mesopotamia during the post-Alexander period GreekReporter.comArkeonews.
  
  
• Regional Identity & Academic Outreach: This discovery elevates Duhok’s profile in global archaeology. It also reinforces the University of Duhok’s mandate to lead research, archaeological education, and heritage management in the region.
  
  

Strategic Alignment with UOD’s Vision

• Internationalization & Research Leadership: The excavations offer opportunities for scholarly collaboration, publications, and conferences, aligning with UOD’s strategy to position itself as a regional hub for historical research.
  
  
• Interdisciplinary Education: Departments such as Archaeology, History, and Cultural Heritage can integrate these findings into their curricula, promoting experiential learning.
  
  
• Heritage Preservation & Museum Integration: All recovered objects are being transferred to the Duhok National Museum for conservation and public display — complementing UOD’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage.

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University Press Office, September 2, 2025

Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali

The News Keywords:

• Directorate of Antiquities and Heritage, Duhok
  
  
• Mosul Dam reservoir drop
  
  
• Hellenistic clay coffins
  
  
• Seleucid period archaeology
  
  
• Ancient Duhok settlement