Zakho Set to Launch International Fair, Cementing Economic Rise

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — In a landmark move underscoring its rapid economic transformation, the Zakho Independent Administration is set to host its first-ever international fair, a major event poised to significantly boost the region's commercial sector and mark a new chapter in its development.

The inaugural fair, opening on September 21, will coincide with the anniversary of Zakho's establishment as an independent administration, symbolizing a new era of commercial ambition for the strategic border city.

Latif Osman, the President of the Zakho Chamber of Commerce, confirmed the details of the milestone event to Kurdistan24 correspondent Mehvan Majid.

He stated that for the first time in the history of the Zakho Independent Administration, a major international fair will open with the participation of more than 70 foreign and local companies.

"The fair will boost the economic sector in our region," Osman said, highlighting the high expectations for the event. The exhibition will be held in a newly constructed, specialized hall built on an area of 5,000 square meters. Osman noted the diverse range of participants, stating, "The fair will include companies from the food, automotive, tourism, and several other sectors."

He added that interest has been substantial, with "more than 80 percent of the exhibition spaces have already been booked." The Chamber of Commerce President expressed his firm belief that "the opening of this fair will lead to a revitalization of trade in the region."

This initiative is a cornerstone of a wider, intensive effort by the Zakho Independent Administration to develop its economic and commercial infrastructure. The exhibition and conference hall project, constructed within the Zakho University building at a cost of over $9 million, is part of the Kurdistan Regional Government's strategic projects for the region.

To support the influx of visitors and businesses, the project also includes a car park built on an area of 8,000 meters and a special 300-meter-long road designed to facilitate traffic to the fair and avoid congestion within the university campus.

Officials have also planned for the future, with intentions to hold specialized fairs focusing on tourism, medicine, books, and automobiles, aiming to create more opportunities for merchants and investors.

The international fair represents the culmination of a period of sustained and ambitious development in Zakho. Recently, construction began on what is slated to become the largest and most technologically advanced fountain in both the Kurdistan Region and all of Iraq.

As part of a comprehensive $13 million tourism initiative, the 40-meter-high fountain will utilize an advanced system combining music, lasers, and colored lighting. According to a report from Kurdistan24’s Mivan Majeed in Zakho, the project is a flagship component of a plan to upgrade the city's infrastructure and elevate its status as a premier tourist destination.

Zahra Salim, the project supervisor, affirmed its groundbreaking nature, stating, "This will be the first fountain of its kind in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in terms of the technology used." The Director General of Tourism in Zakho, Jiya Amin, echoed this, calling the fountain "a major attraction within our plans for tourism development."

This ambitious undertaking also includes the extensive development of the Khabur River banks, a modern corniche, the restoration of the historic old market, and a new underground car park.

This push builds upon the successful transformation of the city's riverfront with the new Zakho Corniche, which has already reshaped the city’s landscape.

In July 2025, officials reported that the project's second phase was 85% complete and had already contributed to a 30-40% increase in tourism, with expectations for visitor numbers to double upon full completion. Engineer Sarbast Abdul Sattar Abdul Karim, Director of the Zakho Corniche Phase II Project, told Kurdistan24 that the project was launched following a direct directive from Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

The initiative includes a three-kilometer riverside promenade, extensive green spaces, and the restoration of historical sites such as Zakho’s Qishla. The project is one of 286 development projects launched in the three years since Zakho was designated an independent administration on September 20, 2021, a period during which 218 projects have been completed and 68 are currently under construction.

The inauguration of the first phase of the Delal Corniche in August 2023 by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani marked a significant milestone in this development drive.

During a speech at the event, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the implementing companies and the people of Zakho, stating, "we have delivered our promises.”

He noted that over 170 projects had recently been implemented in Zakho and announced plans for further strategic works, including a 60-meter road and a new dam on the Khabur River. At the city's two-year anniversary celebration in September 2023, Gohdar Shekho, the town’s supervisor, revealed that "90 percent of the main streets have been rehabilitated to conform to international standards," crediting the Prime Minister's continuous support for the infrastructure projects.

Data from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has detailed the comprehensive nature of this campaign, which has touched all aspects of public life.

According to a July 2024 report, the 286 approved projects span sectors including municipalities, roads, education, health, electricity, and tourism. In addition to physical infrastructure, the administrative capacity of the city has been significantly enhanced with the establishment of new general directorates and the upgrading of numerous offices.

This development has also included a focus on cultural heritage, with a project initiated in 2023 to renovate Zakho's ancient market in a new traditional style, which was completed by the end of that year. The market, a historic hub for Jewish, Christian, and Muslim craftsmen, was described by Kurdish researcher Sa'id Razvan as a cornerstone of the city's identity.

These recent projects are building on the city's rich natural and historical assets.

The foundation stone for the multi-million dollar Delal Bridge tourism project was laid in August 2022, an initiative backed by an 11.5 billion IQD (over $7.8 million USD) budget from the KRG. Guhdar Shekho, head of the Zakho independent administration, stated at the time that the project demonstrates Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's focus on the tourism sector as the KRG seeks to diversify its economy.

The Delal Bridge itself, an ancient stone structure over the Khabur River, has long been a landmark attraction, featured in Kurdish literature and drawing tourists from around the world.

A Brief History of Zakho

Zakho's history stretches back millennia, with its strategic location near the modern borders of Turkey and Syria making it a historically significant crossing point and trade hub.

The city is situated on an ancient island in the Khabur River, a tributary of the Tigris. Evidence suggests the area was settled during the Assyrian period, and it later became part of the Roman and subsequently the Persian Empires.

Aramaic sources suggest the name may derive from "Zakhota," meaning "victory," possibly referencing a battle between Romans and Persians fought nearby.

Throughout its history, Zakho has been known as a diverse and tolerant city, home to a significant Jewish community for centuries, as well as vibrant Christian and Muslim populations who coexisted and contributed to its rich cultural and commercial life.

The city's famous landmarks, such as the ancient Delal Bridge, whose exact origins are debated but often attributed to the Roman or Abbasid eras, stand as testaments to its long and layered history as a vital crossroads of civilizations. Under the Ottoman Empire, it served as an important administrative center, and its historical market was a bustling center for various handicrafts and trades.

This deep-rooted history provides a rich foundation for the modern development transforming Zakho today.