Youth of Kani Bot Preserve Cultural Heritage Through Community-Run Museum
The museum houses an extensive collection of historical artifacts, including Islamic, Christian, and Jewish relics, underscoring the region’s deep-rooted tradition of religious coexistence.
Feb. 7, 2025
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a remarkable grassroots effort to preserve their heritage, a group of young men and women from Kani Bot village have established a museum dedicated to showcasing the region’s rich cultural history.
The initiative, which took three years to collect and curate vintage artifacts, has now been open to visitors for four years, offering a unique glimpse into the daily lives of past generations.
Nestled in the scenic Barzan region, the Kani Bot Museum stands as a testament to the dedication of local youth in safeguarding the legacy of their ancestors.
The museum houses an extensive collection of historical artifacts, including Islamic, Christian, and Jewish relics, underscoring the region’s deep-rooted tradition of religious coexistence.
By curating these diverse pieces, the volunteers highlight the intertwined cultural and religious heritage of the region.
A Living Museum: Tradition Meets Modern Engagement
The museum serves as more than just a historical repository—it has become a dynamic cultural hub.
The volunteers frequently invite media outlets and community members to visit, using the cold winter nights as an opportunity to foster social gatherings.
Visitors often warm themselves by wood-burning heaters while playing the traditional Kurdish flute, shimshal, in an atmosphere steeped in nostalgia.
“Collecting these items and displaying them here has been really challenging. However, maintaining them has proven even more difficult,” a female volunteer told Kurdistan24’s correspondent, Tayfur Mohammed.
“People visit daily, and we need to ensure everything remains in its original condition. We do this to pass our cultural heritage on to the next generation and to help them understand the hardships our forefathers endured,” she added.
The museum’s significance extends beyond mere preservation; it serves as an educational platform.
The volunteers are currently preparing to host a group of educators from Mergasor, further strengthening the cultural and historical awareness of local communities.
A Symbol of Resilience and Legacy
The museum’s collection includes items over a century old, each telling a unique story of ingenuity and resilience. While no longer in use, these artifacts offer invaluable insight into the resourcefulness of past generations.
“There are objects in the Kani Bot Museum from four different religions, all of which were once part of the daily lives of people in the Barzan area,” a museum official explained.
“We open our doors to visitors at night and currently have programs inviting various local organizations and members of the general public,” he added.
By creating a space that connects the past with the present, the youth of Kani Bot aim to make their museum a lasting symbol for future generations.
Through their dedication, they ensure that the cultural and historical identity of their ancestors is not lost to time but continues to inspire and educate those who walk through its doors.