On March 16, 1988, Saddam Hussein ordered the use of chemical weapons in attacking 24 villages in the Kurdish region beginning with Halabja. At least 5,000 people died as an immediate result of the chemical attack and it is estimated that a further 7,000 people were injured or suffered long term illness. Before the war ended the Iraqis moved in on the ground and completely destroyed the town.

In March 2010, the Iraqi High Criminal Court recognized the Halabja massacre as genocide. Today the city lives again – testimony to the Kurds amazing resilience and ability to survive the most brutal assault on their people and culture.

The Halabja Museum is both fascinating and moving.