Turkish bombardments halt tourism to parts of Duhok

DUHOK, Kurdistan Region  — Resorts in Duhok's Begova area are suffering from an absence of tourists caused by the Turkish army's assault on the Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK) while tourism continues strong throughout the rest of the province. 

Ubed Darwesh, the owner of one of the many Begova resorts said that gunshots and explosions in the distance from the conflict between the Turkish military and the PKK have scared away tourists.

"The moment they hear a gunshot, they'll leave right away. As a result, we have lost money because no one is coming to visit."

Hirore village was also once a tourist-filled destination before the Turkish airstrikes. However, the village has come into the crosshairs of Turkey's latest operation in Duhok's bordering areas, with its vicinity being pounded frequently.

"Buses filled with people...used to come here," said Hassan Hirori, a local from the village.

According to the province's tourism department, Duhok has approximately 900 resorts, at least 12 of which are located near Hirore and Begova. 

However, there has been a massive tourist influx into places which haven't been affected by the bombardment.