Zakho to Build Iraq's Largest Fountain in Landmark Tourism Push
Construction has begun in Zakho on Iraq's largest fountain, part of a $13M tourism project. The 40-meter-high fountain will use unprecedented technology combining music, lasers, and lights to boost the local economy and attract visitors from within and outside the region.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Construction is now officially underway in the city of Zakho on what is slated to become the largest and most technologically advanced fountain in both the Kurdistan Region and all of Iraq, a flagship component of a major integrated tourism initiative designed to fundamentally upgrade the city's infrastructure and elevate its status as a premier destination for visitors.
The ambitious undertaking represents a significant investment in the region's economic and cultural revitalization, aiming to create a vibrant new public space centered around a spectacular water and light display.
The development is part of a comprehensive, multi-faceted urban renewal project with a total allocated budget of $13 million. According to a report from Kurdistan24’s Mivan Majeed in Zakho, the scope of the work extends far beyond the central fountain.
The strategic plan also encompasses the extensive development of the banks of the iconic Khabur River, the construction of a modern and inviting corniche for residents and tourists, the sensitive revival and restoration of the city’s historic old market, and the addition of a much-needed underground car park to support the expected increase in visitor traffic.
Together, these elements are designed to create a cohesive and attractive tourism hub that leverages Zakho's natural and historical assets.
Providing specific details on the project's centerpiece, Zahra Salim, the project supervisor, affirmed its groundbreaking nature.
"This will be the first fountain of its kind in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in terms of the technology used," Ms. Salim stated. She explained the impressive scale and sophistication of the installation, noting, "The water will reach a height of 40 meters, and it will operate with modern and advanced technologies unprecedented in the country."
The supervisor also confirmed the project's physical and financial scope, adding, "The project is being built on an area of 4 dunams, and its cost has so far reached about 13 billion Iraqi dinars."
This sentiment of a transformative addition to the local landscape was strongly echoed by the city's tourism authorities. Jiya Amin, the Director General of Tourism in Zakho, emphasized the project's strategic value in official development plans.
"The Zakho fountain will be the first of its kind in Iraq and Kurdistan in terms of quality and technology," Mr. Amin affirmed, highlighting its unique position within the national context. He further stated that "it will be a major attraction within our plans for tourism development," signaling the high expectations placed upon the project to act as a catalyst for growth in the sector.
According to those overseeing its implementation, the fountain's allure will be significantly enhanced by its advanced operational system, which is designed to choreograph a dynamic interplay of water, music, lasers, and vibrant colored lighting. This fusion of artistic and technological elements is intended to create a captivating sensory experience for audiences.
Upon its scheduled completion, officials anticipate that the fountain will not only serve as a prominent new tourist landmark for the city but will also play a crucial role in the broader revitalization of economic and commercial activity in Zakho, drawing a significant number of visitors from across the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and beyond.
Kurdistan24’s correspondent Mivan Majeed in Zakho contributed to this report.
