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Arbat
عەربەت
City of Three Gates
Town
Arbat Town from Sentinel-2 satellite. (2025)
Arbat Town from Sentinel-2 satellite. (2025)
Arbat is located in Iraq
Arbat
Arbat
Location in Iraq
Coordinates: 35°25′47.69″N 45°34′31.78″E / 35.4299139°N 45.5754944°E / 35.4299139; 45.5754944
Country Iraq
Region Kurdistan Region
GovernorateSulaymaniyah
Established1925[2]
Government
 • Sub-District AdministratorDaban Arif[3]
Population
 (2021)
 • Total
30,000[1]
Time zoneUTC+3 (AST)
Postal code
46004[4]
Area code+964
WebsiteOfficial Facebook Page

Arbat Kurdish:(عەربەت)/(Erbet) is a sub-district in Sulaymaniyah District, Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.[5] Also known as Tanjero Sub-district or the "City of Three Gates" (شاری سێ دەروازە), Arbat was established as a sub-district in 1925 during the reign of King Faisal I of Iraq by the administrators and authorities of that era.[6] This town served as the administrative center of Tanjero Sub-district until August, 23,2025 when the name of Tanjero Sub-District was officialy changed to (Arbat Sub-District)[7]

Geography

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Tanjero Sub-district encompasses 71 villages and shares borders with several neighboring sub-districts: to the north with Siruchik Sub-district and Sitak Sub-district, to the south with Zarayen Sub-district and Central Qaradagh District, to the east with Saeed Sadiq Sub-district, and to the west with Bakrajo Sub-district.[8] Arbat is situated in a mountainous region surrounded by the Zagros Mountains range.[9] The climate of the area is generally Mediterranean, with hot summers (30-45°C) and cold, rainy winters (0-10°C). The annual rainfall ranges between 500-700 millimeters.[10] Due to its geographical location, the soil in the area is fertile and suitable for agriculture.[11]

File:٨٦٥و)٨.jpg
Old Arbat Road-1958.


Villages

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Arbat consists of 71 villages:[12]

  • Arbat (center)
  • Bakhcha, Tanjero
  • Bader
  • Barika, Arbat
  • Bardakar, Tanjero
  • Bestan Suri Bchuk
  • Bestan Suri Gawra
  • Pushen
  • Chaqlawa
  • Chanakhchiyan
  • Chuartaq
  • Haris Awa
  • Hamai Baram
  • Khak u Khol, Tanjero
  • Khraba
  • Kharajian
  • Darbarula, Tanjero
  • Darash
  • Darbandfoqara
  • Damarkan
  • Dai Ali
  • Dai Baram
  • Dai Ramazan
  • Raziana, Tanjero
  • Zargwez
  • Zargwezala
  • Zerinjoy Kharwu
  • Zerinjoy Sarwu
  • Zhalai Kharwu
  • Zhalai Sarwu
  • Sadubist, Tanjero
  • Samawat
  • Sulakan
  • Shama
  • Sheikh Awla
  • Sheikh Omar
  • Sheikh Waisawa
  • Arifawa
  • Farajawa
  • Kazhaw
  • Qarga
  • Qisrti Kharwu
  • Qisrti Sarwu
  • Qaratoghan
  • Qarali
  • Karez, Tanjero
  • Kazhawi Hamasalah
  • Kani Shaswar
  • Kani Hanjir, Tanjero
  • Kani Wais
  • Kamalani Kharwu
  • Kamalani Sarwu
  • Kozaraqa
  • Kolabi
  • Komalagai Barika
  • Komalagai Tanjero
  • Gameshawan
  • Gadan
  • Galbakh
  • Gurgachia, Tanjero
  • Gomaw, Tanjero
  • Nawgrdan, Tanjero
  • Namal
  • Niskajo
  • Hanjira, Arbat
  • Hwana
  • Welaka Kharwu
  • Welaka Sarwu
  • Weladar
  • Yasin Tapa
  • Yakhimali
  • Yakmala

Climate (1992-2024)

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Temperature and Precipitation Data (1992–2024) ​ Arbat Town, like other industrial towns in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRG), has experienced significant climatic shifts over the past three decades.[13] ​

Temperature and precipitation trends in Arbat (1992–2024).

​ The graph shows stable temperature patterns but a marked decline in precipitation from 1992 to 2024.[14] ​ Despite nearly steady temperature trends, rainfall dropped sharply, indicating changes in the local hydrological cycle. ​ Such precipitation decline could impact agriculture, water availability, and local biodiversity.[15] ​

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​ The average annual temperature rose from 18.2°C in 1992 to 23.0°C in 2024 (+4.8°C). ​ Average high temperatures increased from 24.6°C to 29.6°C (+5.0°C). ​ Average low temperatures rose from 11.8°C to 16.4°C (+4.6°C).[16] ​ Precipitation dropped from 573mm in 1992 to 359mm in 2024—a 37.3% decrease. ​ Early data (1992–2000) is sourced from regional Sulaymaniyah weather stations due to limited local records.[17] ​

History

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Arbat was established as a sub-district in 1925 during the reign of King Faisal I of Iraq by the administrators and authorities of that era.[18] This town served as the administrative center of Tanjero Sub-district until August, 23,2025 when the name of Tanjero Sub-District was officialy changed to (Arbat Sub-District).[19][20] According to historical sources, this area had a small population during the Ottoman Empire period and was known for the Tanjero River.[21] However, in the early twentieth century, due to migration of people from surrounding villages to this area, the population increased, which led to economic growth in the region.[22] ​ During the 1970s, due to Arabization policies and village relocations, many residents of surrounding villages were forced to move to Arbat and settle there.[23] After the 1991 uprising and the establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Arbat experienced significant development and became one of the most important towns in the Sulaymaniyah area.[24] ​

On March 8, 1991, the uprising began in Chamchamal, Halabja, Arbat, and military camps (Zarayen, Sumud, Nasr, Barika, Piramagroon, and Allai).[25]

Saddam Hussein's poster near Arbat's Military contonment during the revolution of Raparin-1991

The uprisings of Râperîn 1991 Iraqi uprisings.

​ The name "Arbat" in Kurdish language means "place of family" or "resting place".[26] Some historical sources indicate that the name comes from the word "Araba" or "Arabana", which was a means of transportation in ancient times.[27]

Demographics

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​ The majority of Arbat's residents speak the Sorani dialect, which is part of the Kurdish language.[28] Most of the population are Muslims. According to the latest census (2021), Arbat's population is approximately 30,000 people.[29] ​​

Economy

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​ Arbat's economy relies on several main sectors: ​

Agriculture

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Due to fertile soil and suitable climate, agriculture is one of the main sources of income for the area's residents.[30] The main products include wheat, barley, vegetables, and fruits. The agricultural land area in the region is approximately 3,000 hectares.[31] ​

Commerce

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Due to proximity to Sulaymaniyah city, trade and commerce are important economic activities in the area.[32] Arbat's central market includes approximately 300 shops and more than two malls commercial establishments.[33] ​

Small Industry

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In recent years, several small factories have been established in the area, providing employment for local residents.[34] Arbat's industrial zone was established in 2012 and contains approximately 50 factories.[35] ​

Administration

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​ The town of Arbat administratively falls under Arbat Sub-district, which belongs to Sulaymaniyah District, Sulaymaniyah Governorate.[36] The sub-district consists of Arbat town as the center and 71 surrounding villages. The sub-district administrator is Daban Arif, appointed by the Kurdistan Regional Government.[37]

Culture and important sites

[edit]

​ Several historical and tourist sites exist in the area, the most important being: ​

  • Arbat Grand Mosque: Built in 1945 and renovated in 2005.[38]
  • Arbat Hill: A historical site dating back to the Assyrian period (~1000 BC) where archaeological research has been conducted.[39]
  • Arbat Spring: A natural spring rich in sulfur that some people from other places visit for therapeutic purposes, believing it has medicinal properties.[40]

Infrastructure

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Arbat serves as a significant hub for oil infrastructure.[41] Arbat Airport is the largest agricultural airport in Iraq.[42] The town hosts the Phoenix Refinery, which specializes in producing bitumen and various related products.[43][44] Additionally, Arbat features a substantial oil storage and blending terminal with a 170,000 cubic meter capacity for various fuel types.[45] A significant environmental concern is associated gas flaring at the Phoenix Refinery, contributing to air pollution and warming.[46][47]These oil activities are integrated into the Kurdistan Region's broader hydrocarbon landscape, facing challenges from regional disputes and export suspensions. The town of Arbat possesses basic infrastructure, including services for its local population and the significant refugee presence.[48][49] Infrastructure development in Arbat has accelerated, partly in response to the needs of the refugee population, which has strained existing services like water and sanitation.[50][51] The town's growing importance is also influenced by the presence of oil refinery and food industry companies. Despite these developments, still in some parts the region continues to rely on traditional sectors such as farming, agriculture, poultry, and dairy farming.[52][53] ​

Transportation

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2014 - Arbat Agricultural Airport.
Photo of Arbat agricultural Airport from June,2017 while driving planes.

The Arbat Agricultural Airport is a significant facility located in the Arbat district of Sulaymaniyah Governorate. It was established in 2005 and has primarily served civil and agricultural purposes.[54][55] In 2018, the airport underwent a significant expansion, with its runways extended to 45 meters in width and 2 kilometers in length. This expansion made it the largest agricultural airport in Iraq. Today, the airport also functions as a training center, offering continuous piloting courses for aviation students. This training provides hands-on experience in aircraft operations and pilot training, contributing to the demand for skilled aviation professionals in the Kurdistan Region. ​ The town is connected to Sulaymaniyah via paved roads, making it accessible by car and public transportation. Its proximity to Sulaymaniyah provides residents with access to the services and facilities of the larger city.

Notable people

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​ Several well-known Kurdish personalities are from Arbat or have lived there: ​

Cultural references

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The name "Arbat" appears in several classical and old Kurdish poems and proverbs, whether for humor or philosophical and advisory (wisdom) purposes. Piramerd (Muhammad Tofiq Mahmud Bey Hamdi, 1867–1950), the great Kurdish poet and writer, mentioned "Arbat" in several of his poems and proverbs,[59] including: ​

  • "The tombstones are open letters from the afterlife written to the living."
  • "That winding road of Kharajian is a path of deception for the fox of time."
  • "The greed of wealth and the scorpions of Arbat have become a lesson for the people of meaning."

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "سەرژمێری دانیشتوانی هەرێمی کوردستان ٢٠٢١"، دەستەی ئاماری هەرێمی کوردستان، ٢٠٢٢.
  2. ^ د. جەمال ڕەشید، "مێژووی شارەکانی کوردستان"، ٢٠١٠، لاپەڕە ٨٩-٩٥
  3. ^ "دابەشبوونی کارگێڕی هەرێمی کوردستان"، وەزارەتی ناوخۆی حکومەتی هەرێمی کوردستان، ٢٠٢٣.
  4. ^ https://irq.postcodebase.com/node/86
  5. ^ Dr. Abdullah Ghafoor, "List of Southern Villages", Zmani Kurdi, Kurdish language
  6. ^ Historical archives of the Kingdom of Iraq, 1925 administrative records
  7. ^ لە بەرواری (٢٣ ی ئابی ساڵی ٢٠٢٣) بە فەرمی ناوی (ناحیەی تانجەرۆ) گۆڕدرا بە (ناحیەی عەربەت)
  8. ^ Administrative divisions of Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Kurdistan Regional Government Ministry of Interior, 2023
  9. ^ Geographic survey of Kurdistan Region, Kurdistan Regional Statistics Office, 2020
  10. ^ Dr. Salam Nawkhosh, "Geography of Kurdistan Region", 2015, p. 142
  11. ^ Kurdistan Region Agricultural Development Report, Ministry of Agriculture, 2022
  12. ^ "List of villages in Sulaymaniyah Governorate" (in Kurdish).
  13. ^ Kurdistan Regional Government, Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, 2023.
  14. ^ Sulaymaniyah Meteorological Directorate, Annual Climate Reports, 1992–2024.
  15. ^ UNEP Iraq Environmental Assessment, 2022.
  16. ^ World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Iraq Climate Data Set, 2024.
  17. ^ Sulaymaniyah Governorate Climate Archives, 1992–2000.
  18. ^ Historical archives of the Kingdom of Iraq, 1925 administrative records
  19. ^ لە بەرواری (٢٣ ی ئابی ساڵی ٢٠٢٣) بە فەرمی ناوی (ناحیەی تانجەرۆ) گۆڕدرا بە (ناحیەی عەربەت)
  20. ^ Dr. Jamal Rashid, "History of Kurdistan Cities", 2010, pp. 89-95
  21. ^ Dr. Jamal Rashid, "History of Kurdistan Cities", 2010, pp. 89-95
  22. ^ "Mosul Province Yearbook" (in Arabic). Retrieved November 15, 2022.
  23. ^ Kurdistan Region Human Rights Reports, 1970s Arabization Documentation
  24. ^ Kurdistan Regional Government Development Reports, 1991-2000
  25. ^ "Kurdish Uprising Historical Documentation". Basnews. March 8, 2022.
  26. ^ Dr. Jalil Kakawais, "Dictionary of Kurdish Names", 2012, p. 115
  27. ^ Dr. Farhad Pirbal, "History of Sulaymaniyah Areas", Kurdish Academy Publications, 2016, p. 78
  28. ^ Language survey of Kurdistan Region, 2021
  29. ^ "Kurdistan Region Population Census 2021", Kurdistan Region Statistics Office, 2022
  30. ^ Agriculture in Kurdistan Region report, Ministry of Agriculture, 2022
  31. ^ Dr. Ako Mohammed, "Research on Kurdistan Region Agriculture", Sulaymaniyah University Journal for Agricultural Sciences, Vol. 5, No. 2, 2020, pp. 45-61
  32. ^ Economic development reports, Sulaymaniyah Chamber of Commerce, 2022
  33. ^ Market survey, Arbat Municipality, 2023
  34. ^ Industrial development in Kurdistan Region, Ministry of Trade and Industry, 2022
  35. ^ "Opening of Arbat Industrial Zone", Kurdistan New Newspaper, September 5, 2012, p. 4
  36. ^ Administrative divisions of Kurdistan Regional Government, Ministry of Interior, 2023
  37. ^ Appointment records, Kurdistan Regional Government, 2023
  38. ^ Mohammed Raouf, "Mosques of Sulaymaniyah Area", Publications of Sulaymaniyah Awqaf Directorate, 2017, pp. 103-106
  39. ^ Dr. Kamaran Kosrat & Dr. Karwan Azad, "Archaeological Research Report of Arbat Hill", Kurdistan Archaeology Journal, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2019, pp. 22-35
  40. ^ Sirwan Abdulrahman, "Natural Springs of Kurdistan Region", Hawlati Newspaper, July 12, 2018, p. 7
  41. ^ "not found". PUKmedia.
  42. ^ "unknown". PUKmedia. 2021-08-13. {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Cite uses generic title (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
  43. ^ "Frontier Bitumen Company - Phoenix International A/S". Phoenix International A/S. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
  44. ^ "Iraq's Refining Sector: Challenges and Opportunities - Iraq Business News". Iraq Business News. 2023-10-05. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
  45. ^ "Arbat Oil Storage and Blending Terminal - Oil & Gas News". Oil & Gas News. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
  46. ^ "Kurdistan Region's gas flaring emits 104 million cubic meters of gas in 2023: report". Rudaw. 2024-06-04. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
  47. ^ "Iraq struggles to curb gas flaring amid security concerns and outdated infrastructure - Al-Monitor". Al-Monitor. 2023-09-20. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
  48. ^ "Syrian Crisis in Iraq: Bi-weekly Update - Operational Data Portal". UNHCR. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
  49. ^ > "Institute of Regional and International Studies - American University of Iraq, Sulaimani". American University of Iraq, Sulaimani. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
  50. ^ "Iraq: Arbat Transit multi-sector dashboard (as of May 2014) - Iraq". ReliefWeb. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
  51. ^ "Assessing the Economic and Social Impact of the Syrian Conflict and ISIS on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq" (PDF). Kurdistan Regional Government. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
  52. ^ "See you at Agro Iraq". Iraq Agrofood. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
  53. ^ "Iraq Dairy Sector Scanning - Agroberichten Buitenland" (PDF). Agroberichten Buitenland. 2024-11-30. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
  54. ^ "Deaths and injuries occurred at Arbat Airport in Sulaymaniyah - ARK News". ARK News. 2023-09-19. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
  55. ^ "Unidentified drone targets a Sulaymaniyah airport, casualties reported - Shafaq News". Shafaq News. 2023-09-18. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
  56. ^ Kurdistan Football Association records, player database
  57. ^ Kurdistan Parliament official records, Speaker biography
  58. ^ Kurdistan Artists Union, member directory
  59. ^ https://books.vejin.net/ck/text/35363
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