The Secrets of Shanidar Z: A Glimpse into Kurdish History and Culture

Last updated May 8, 2024

In the rugged terrain of Iraqi Kurdistan, within the Barzan region where the Barzani tribes have long thrived, lies a cave that holds profound secrets of our past. Discovered in 2018, Shanidar Z, a woman from the Neanderthal lineage, was unearthed in this cave, aptly named after her.

*Dr Emma Pomeroy with the skull of Shanidar Z in the Henry Wellcome Building in Cambridge, home of the University’s Leverhulme Centre for Human Evolutionary Studies.*

This discovery sheds light on our ancient ancestors and brings forth a reawakening of Kurdish heritage. Shanidar Z was laid to rest around 75,000 years ago, her body carefully placed in a hollow within the cave. Her left hand cradled her head, and a rock served as a cushion behind her—a poignant testament to the burial rituals of our ancient predecessors.

This touching discovery gives us a glimpse into the compassionate and thoughtful ways of our ancestors when honouring their deceased loved ones.

The story of Shanidar Z is fascinating on its own, but what’s even more fascinating is the way her face was recreated. Archaeologists at Cambridge University, in the United Kingdom, worked over nine months to reconstruct Shanidar’s face from over 200 bone fragments. This extraordinary journey into the past is now being shared through the documentary “Secrets of the Neanderthals,” a collaboration between the BBC and Netflix.

Shanidar Z’s story, however, is much more than a mere historical footnote; it is an integral part of the tapestry of the history and culture of the Kurds. Located in the heart of the Barzan area, her cave is a reminder of the long-lasting legacy of the local Barzani tribes who have protected the Kurdish identity and culture for generations. For too long, the Kurds have been relegated to the sidelines of history, their rich heritage overlooked and overshadowed by larger narratives. However, the unearthing of Shanidar Z is changing this narrative, A new chapter is being written that celebrates the Kurds as the custodians of a legacy that goes back to before recorded history.

The skull was found crushed and fragmented into 200 pieces. Reconstructing it was a “high-stakes, 3D jigsaw puzzle,” Pomeroy said. Courtesy Netflix

As we delve into the secrets of Shanidar Z and her relatives, we are faced with a stark reality—the Kurds are more than just a small part of history; they are the masterminds behind the very foundation of civilization. Their tale stretches over thousands of years, showcasing their unwavering strength, bravery, and perseverance in challenging times.

The significance of the Kurdish people can no longer be overlooked or underestimated. With the revelation of Shanidar Z, it becomes even clearer that the Kurds are not just a minority group, but the inheritors of a rich and ancient civilization. This discovery only serves to reinforce what the Kurds have long believed – that their land is the birthplace of civilization and they are the rightful descendants of this heritage.

As we gaze into the depths of Shanidar Z’s cave, we are reminded that the history of Kurdistan is a story that belongs to all of us. It is a journey of humanity from ancient shadows to the brilliance of civilization.

𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘶𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘳 𝘡 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘦 “𝘕𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘴” 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘳 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘴—𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘒𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦.