Daijiworld Media Network – Baghdad

Baghdad, Aug 31: Archaeologists in northern Iraq have uncovered around 40 ancient tombs after receding water levels in the country’s largest reservoir exposed hidden sites, officials confirmed on Saturday.

The rare discovery was made near the Mosul Dam in the Khanke region of Duhok province, where traces of the tombs were first noticed during a 2023 survey.

"So far, we have discovered approximately 40 tombs," said Bekas Brefkany, Director of Antiquities in Duhok. He explained that excavations could only begin after water levels dropped to their lowest this year.

According to researchers, the tombs are believed to be over 2,300 years old, dating back to the Hellenistic-Seleucid era. Plans are underway to transfer the finds to the Duhok Museum for preservation before the reservoir rises again and submerges the area.

"The droughts have significant impact on many aspects, like agriculture and electricity. But for us archaeologists, they also provide opportunities to carry out excavation work," Brefkany remarked.

Iraq has been grappling with five consecutive years of drought, which have dried reservoirs, reduced agricultural production, and crippled hydropower generation. Authorities warned that the nation’s water reserves have plunged to just 8% of full capacity — the lowest since 1933 — blaming both climate change and upstream dams in Turkey and Iran for restricting the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

The drought, while devastating for daily life, has in recent years uncovered several archaeological sites previously hidden beneath the waters.