Alqosh

We spent a lovely afternoon in the Christian village of Alqosh, at the bottom of a mountain range at the start of the Nineveh plains. It was the home of Nahum the prophet (A prophecy concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. Nahum 1.1) and the locals claim he is buried in a tomb there. The monastery is built into the rock face. It dates from 6th century AD and is an incredible place to visit. It has amazing views and all sorts of little caves and underground tunnels to explore.

You know when you're entering a Christian village- the cross and Santas rather give it away!

This house is quite something! Apparently the family who live here were the only ones left in the town when IS came. Thankfully IS didn't manage to get into the town, just the next door one. Who knows what damage they could have done to the people and monastery if they had succeeded?