Amedi

Amedi (Arabic: Amadiya, العمادية) is a small Assyrian and Kurdish town in Northern Iraq.

Get in

Take a taxi there and a taxi back. There is usually a waiting area at the entrance of the city (there's only one way in) where taxi drivers come and take people to all surrounding villages, and cities.

See

There are also ruins from the Assyrian era and ruins of a synagogue and a church in the small town.

• 1 Great Mosque of Amadiya. First built in 1177. (updated Aug 2020)
• 2 Citadel of Al Amadiya. (updated Aug 2020)

Do

This is one of the most beautiful natural spots in the Middle East. The spectacular view of mountain tops ranging into the horizon is a scene to remember. Most tourists like to visit the Silav waterfall while they are in Amedi. The water comes from a natural spring high up the mountain, many tourist follow the path up or just relax and enjoy a nice cold watermelon with the sound of the waterfall in the background. The city itself is a thing of beauty especially when observed from a mountain top above. Some tourists are lucky enough to spend time in the various plantations and fruit farms (that also provide a place to sleep due to sleep due to the hospitable nature of the locals) where you can enjoy grapes straight off the vine, or pick apples and fig right off the tree. The self-sustaining nature of the area is one to admire.

Buy

People from the world over have visited Amedi to purchase liters upon liters of their famous tahini (cooked sesame seed dip). They also have some of the purest honey in the region.

Eat

There are several restaurants around the silav waterfall touristic center that serve some of the most delicious kebabs.

Drink

Amedi has one of the purest waters in the regions of Dohuk and Kurdistan. Usually when the American Army came to find water around Dohuk their main source of water was in Amedi.

Stay safe

Make sure you understand the risks of driving while you are there. Most visitors prefer taking the inexpensive taxis. Be prepared for a bumpy ride as the drive at high speeds along the mountain sides.