Nader Tahir Mustafa is the mayor of the village of Shush, and opens his home to visitors. As the host at the start of the whole ZMT, he likes to tell visitors about what’s to come, and to welcome them to the experience of hiking in Kurdistan. He is a keen historian, and a passionate defender of cultural heritage. Nadir has hosted a number of diplomats and other high-profile international and local visitors, but he treats all who enter his home the same: as welcome strangers with whom he seeks to make a connection.

“My name is Nader Tahir Mustafa, and I am the mayor of the village of Shush. Our village enjoys a strategic geographic location between Akre and Duhok. Our village also has a rich history, with an old Jewish synagogue and an ancient Christian monastery. It is also famous for its pomegranates and figs. Our village is known for its hospitality; we love visitors and warmly welcome them. Most of our village's guests are visitors to the Zagros Mountain Trail. We look forward to the arrival of more guests in the future and to developing our village economically and socially.”