Amna Suraka Museum, Sulaymaniyah

The Amna Suraka Museum, also known as the Red Security Museum, is a poignant reminder of Iraq's turbulent past. Located in the city of Sulaymaniyah, this museum is housed in a former Ba'ath regime prison where countless Kurds and others were detained, tortured, and executed. Transformed into a site of remembrance and education, the museum serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the quest for freedom.

The stark red building, which gives the museum its name, is an unmissable landmark. Inside, visitors are guided through the chilling cells and interrogation rooms where prisoners were once held. The walls, still bearing the marks of suffering, tell a silent story that resonates deeply with visitors. The museum's exhibits include personal items of the prisoners, photographs, and documents that detail the atrocities committed during Saddam Hussein's rule.

One of the museum's most moving displays is the Hall of Mirrors, a memorial to the victims of the Anfal genocide, which targeted the Kurdish population in the late 1980s. The museum also features an art gallery, showcasing works by Kurdish artists, and a section dedicated to the Kurdish struggle for independence and human rights.

Visiting the Amna Suraka Museum is a sobering experience. It is not only a place of history but also an educational center that promotes peace and reconciliation. The museum is open to visitors throughout the year and offers guided tours in various languages, providing a deeper understanding of the region's history.