Shaqlawa (Kurdish: شەقڵاوە, romanized: Şeqlawe,[2][3] Arabic: شقلاوة, Syriac: ܫܵܩܠܵܒ݂ܐ, romanized: Shaqlāwa[4]) is a historic city and a hill station in the Erbil Governorate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Shaqlawa, a city of approximately 25,500 people, lies 51 km to the northeast of Erbil, at the bottom of Safeen mountain. Shaqlawa is situated between Safeen mountain and Sork mountain, and sits 1066 m above sea level.[5]
Shaqlawa
شەقڵاوە Şeqlawe | |
|---|---|
.JPG) View from Downtown | |
  Shaqlawa Shaqlawa in Iraq  Shaqlawa Shaqlawa (Iraq) | |
| Coordinates: 36°24′20″N 44°19′15″E / 36.40556°N 44.32083°E | |
| Country |  Iraq |
| Autonomous region |  Kurdistan Region[1] |
| Province | Erbil Governorate |
| Elevation | 966 m (3,169 ft) |
| Population (2018) | |
• Total | 25,500 |
The city is known for its waterfalls, trees, and greenery.[6] It is also known for its honey.[7]
Geography
editShaqlawa is a town located in the Erbil Governorate of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It lies approximately 50 kilometers northeast of Erbil city and is situated at the foothills of the Zagros Mountains. [8]
History
editShaqlawa has a rich historical background, with its origins tracing back to ancient times. The area has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Assyrians, Babylonians, and later Islamic empires. The town has witnessed significant events, particularly during the Kurdish uprisings and conflicts in Iraq. [9]
Demographics
editThe population of Shaqlawa is predominantly Kurdish, with a significant Christian minority, particularly Assyrian Christians. The town is known for its cultural diversity and coexistence of different religious communities. [10]
Economy
editThe economy of Shaqlawa is mainly based on agriculture and trade. The fertile lands around the town support various agricultural activities, while its proximity to Erbil facilitates trade and commerce. Tourism has also become an important aspect of the local economy, especially during the summer months when visitors flock to enjoy the cooler climate and natural beauty. [11]
Culture
editShaqlawa is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional Kurdish music, dance, and cuisine. The town hosts various cultural festivals and events that celebrate Kurdish traditions and promote local arts. [12]
Tourism
editShaqlawa is a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic landscapes, including mountains, forests, and rivers. The town offers various recreational activities, such as hiking and picnicking, and has several resorts and hotels catering to visitors. [13]
Climate
editShaqlawa has a Mediterranean climate (Csa) with very hot summers and relatively cold, wet winters. Subfreezing highs are very common in the winter, which would present frost. Snowfall is not uncommon.
| Climate data for Shaqlawa | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 9.1 (48.4) |
10.4 (50.7) |
14.5 (58.1) |
20.1 (68.2) |
27.5 (81.5) |
34.4 (93.9) |
38.6 (101.5) |
38.8 (101.8) |
35.0 (95.0) |
27.9 (82.2) |
17.8 (64.0) |
10.8 (51.4) |
23.7 (74.7) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −0.4 (31.3) |
0.4 (32.7) |
4.1 (39.4) |
8.8 (47.8) |
14.4 (57.9) |
19.7 (67.5) |
23.6 (74.5) |
23.3 (73.9) |
18.9 (66.0) |
13.1 (55.6) |
6.6 (43.9) |
1.4 (34.5) |
11.2 (52.1) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 149 (5.9) |
202 (8.0) |
165 (6.5) |
111 (4.4) |
43 (1.7) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
1 (0.0) |
10 (0.4) |
76 (3.0) |
124 (4.9) |
881 (34.8) |
| Source: [14] | |||||||||||||
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ "Kurdistan Regional Government". KRG. Retrieved 2012-05-21.
- ^ "Li ser jiyana Goran". Yeni Özgür Politika (in Kurdish). 24 June 2016. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
- ^ "شەقڵاوە". bot.gov.krd (in Kurdish). Retrieved 19 December 2019.
- ^ A. Carlson, Thomas (2014). "Shaqlāwa". The Syriac Gazetteer.
- ^ "Shaqlawa".
- ^ "Shaqlawa | Unbelievable Kurdistan - Official Tourism Site of Kurdistan".
- ^ "The Hamilton Road: A highway to a Kurdish paradise". www.bbc.com. 2023-01-20. Retrieved 2024-07-29.
- ^ "Shaqlawa". GeoNames. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ Philip G. Kreyenbroek and Stefan Sperl (2000). A History of the Kurds. I.B. Tauris. p. 94. ISBN 978-1860645358.
- ^ "Kurdish Heritage". Kurdish Heritage. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ "Tourism in Kurdistan Region". Kurdistan24. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ "Shaqlawa: A Hidden Gem in the Kurdistan Region". Iraq Business News. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ "Tourism in Kurdistan Region". Kurdistan24. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
- ^ "Climate statistics for Shaqlawa". Climate-Data. Retrieved 21 January 2017.