KRG to Launch Tourism Police, Vows Legal Action After Vandalism Mars Historic Zakho Site

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a decisive, two-pronged response to a spate of vandalism that has defaced a cherished historical site, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has announced the unprecedented establishment of a specialized Tourism Police force, while local authorities in Zakho have pledged to pursue legal action against any visitor caught damaging tourist destinations.

The moves are a direct reaction to recent incidents at the ancient Bahiri Cave, where walls have been covered in spray-painted graffiti, prompting widespread condemnation from officials, local business owners, and tourists alike who decry the "uncivilized" destruction of the region's cultural and natural heritage.

The issue came to a head at Bahiri Cave, one of the most captivating and historically significant sites within the Zakho Independent Administration.

The destination, a popular draw for its unique natural beauty and historical allure, has seen its ancient rock faces egregiously marred by tourists, primarily identified as being from central and southern Iraq.

The cave walls, once a testament to natural history, are now covered in layers of spray paint, an act that has spoiled the visitor experience and triggered alarm among those tasked with preserving the region's attractions.

The vandalism has not only been an affront to local heritage but has also been viewed as an uncivilized phenomenon by many other tourists, including visitors from the same regions, who have expressed a strong desire for such acts to cease.

In the face of this blatant disregard for cultural preservation, the General Directorate of Tourism of Zakho has adopted a zero-tolerance policy.

Bewar Sindi, the Directorate's Director of Media, issued a stern and unambiguous warning to potential offenders. "We will file a legal complaint against any tourist who writes on the walls of tourist sites, and legal measures will be taken against them," Mr. Sindi stated in a firm declaration to Kurdistan24.

He acknowledged the inherent difficulty in apprehending culprits who often act quickly and disappear into the crowds, noting, "The tourist who wrote on the wall of Bahiri Cave committed the act and quickly disappeared." This challenge, however, has not deterred the directorate from its commitment to enforcement, signaling a new era of accountability for visitors.

The sentiment of disgust and disappointment is not confined to officials. Tourists visiting the Kurdistan Region, drawn by its reputation for beauty and stability, have been among the most vocal critics of the vandalism.

Abdullah Ghassan, a tourist from central and southern Iraq, expressed his profound dismay at the sight. "Bahiri Cave is one of the most beautiful places in Zakho. The writings on the cave walls are very ugly and uncivilized," he told Kurdistan24. "This reveals the uncivilized nature of the tourists. We call on the companies that bring tourists to Kurdistan to put a stop to this uncivilized act."

His comments reflect a shared sense of responsibility among visitors to protect the very destinations they travel to enjoy.

Another tourist from central and southern Iraq, Ala Ahmed, articulated the deeper meaning behind these sites. "The tourist sites that have been made available are for the service of tourists, but unfortunately, there are some tourists who do not appreciate the value of these places," he observed. "With this writing, they deface the beauty of the site. These places represent the culture and history of the region; they must be preserved beautifully and cleanly."

This perspective was echoed by Manal Salman, who emphasized that the actions of a few should not tarnish the reputation of all visitors. "The writings on the walls of Bahiri Cave are very uncivilized. The person who writes on the wall of a historical and tourist site only represents themselves, not all tourists," she asserted. "We came here to have a good time, to enjoy the beautiful nature and the cool water of the region. We must not deface the beauty of these tourist sites."

The problem, however, is not isolated to natural landmarks.

Officials have confirmed that tourists from central and southern Iraq have also written extensively on the retaining walls of main streets, creating a broader issue of public defacement.

In response, a decision has been made to launch a comprehensive cleaning initiative to restore the walls of the cave and all other places that have been made unsightly by graffiti. Local stakeholders, such as Hassan Muhsin, the owner of a tourist spot near the cave, have also pledged their cooperation.

"This writing was done by tourists from central and southern Iraq, amidst the crowds and without our knowledge," he explained. "We will try to prevent this from happening again. If any other incident is repeated by any tourist, we will file a complaint against that tourist."

Recognizing that localized enforcement alone may not be sufficient, the KRG has taken a significant strategic step to institutionalize the protection of its vital tourism sector. By order of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, a special force named the "Tourism Police" is being established for the first time.

Ibrahim Abdulmajid, spokesperson for the General Board of Tourism, confirmed the decision to Kurdistan24 on Tuesday, detailing the framework for this new entity. "By order of Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, a decision has been made to establish a special force named the 'Tourism Police' to monitor and protect security at tourist sites," he said.

In its initial phase, the new force will recruit 165 police officers who will operate under the Ministry of Interior's official cadre, but their specific duties and operational directives will be determined by the Board of Tourism, ensuring their mission is tailored to the unique needs of the sector. Crucially, a key requirement for applicants is a background in tourism studies.

"It is a condition that those who become tourism police are graduates of tourism departments, so they can interact properly with tourists and have expertise in the tourism sector," Abdulmajid explained. This emphasis on specialized knowledge aims to create a professional force capable of not only enforcement but also of serving as knowledgeable ambassadors for the region.

The establishment of the Tourism Police is seen as a major step in modernizing and advancing the Kurdistan Region's tourism industry, aligning it with international standards. "In most developed countries, a tourism police force exists and operates in public places," Abdulmajid added.

"We also intend to have official and knowledgeable personnel present in the tourism sector in the Kurdistan Region. I believe the establishment of this police force will have a positive impact on tourist sites and on maintaining their tranquility." With the recruitment process in its final stages, the new force is expected to begin its duties in the near future.

This comprehensive response underscores the immense value the KRG places on its tourism sector. The Kurdistan Region, with its breathtaking mountainous landscapes, favorable climate, rich historical tapestry, and notable security and stability, has firmly established itself as a premier tourist destination within Iraq and the wider region.

Millions of tourists, the majority from Iraq's central and southern provinces, visit annually, benefiting from significant facilitation provided by the KRG. This influx is central to the government's strategic economic diversification plans, encapsulated within the "Visit Kurdistan" initiative, which ambitiously aims to attract 20 million tourists by the year 2030.

Protecting the more than three thousand tourist sites and facilities—from the UNESCO World Heritage Erbil Citadel and the cultural hub of Sulaimani to the stunning natural resorts of Shaqlawa, Dukan, and Amedi, and unique religious sites like the Yazidi temple of Lalish—is paramount to achieving this vision.

The recent acts of vandalism serve as a stark reminder that the region's most valuable assets are also its most vulnerable. The dual strategy of immediate legal deterrence and the long-term professional oversight of a dedicated Tourism Police force represents a robust commitment to safeguarding these treasures for future generations of visitors.