Hazar Merd Cave

Hazar Merd is a significant Paleolithic archaeological site located in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Excavated by Dorothy Garrod in 1928, the site consists of a group of caves, including the Dark Cave, which features a single lofty chamber measuring 11 by 12 meters. The cave's stratigraphy is notable for its thick Mousterian layer, which is over 3 meters thick and contains numerous hearths, burnt flints, and bones. The stone tool assemblage is characterized by the presence of side scrapers and Mousterian points, although there is no evidence of the Levallois technique. The faunal remains suggest a mixed environment similar to the present day, with evidence of various animal species. Hazar Merd, along with Shanidar Cave, represents one of the few excavated Middle Paleolithic sites in Iraqi Kurdistan, providing valuable insights into the prehistoric occupation and environmental conditions of the region.