Arbat Town

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.Administrative divisions of Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Kurdistan Regional Government Ministry of Interior, 2023

Arbat is situated in a mountainous region surrounded by the Zagros Mountains range.Geographic survey of Kurdistan Region, Kurdistan Regional Statistics Office, 2020 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.Dr. Salam Nawkhosh, "Geography of Kurdistan Region", 2015, p. 142 Due to its geographical location, the soil in the area is fertile and suitable for agriculture.Kurdistan Region Agricultural Development Report, Ministry of Agriculture, 2022

File:393690ڕێگای کۆنی عەربەت١٩٥٨ ٠ (٩٨٦٥و)٨.jpg

Arbat consists of 71 villages:{{cite web|title=List of villages in Sulaymaniyah Governorate|url=https://ckb.wikipedia.org/wiki/پێڕستی_گوندەکانی_پارێزگای_سلێمانی#شارەدێی_عەربەت|language=Kurdish}}

{{div col|colwidth=12em}}

• 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

{{div col end}}

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.Kurdistan Regional Government, Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, 2023.

File:Arbat Town Temperature Trends vs Perception decline (1992-2024).png

The graph shows stable temperature patterns but a marked decline in precipitation from 1992 to 2024.Sulaymaniyah Meteorological Directorate, Annual Climate Reports, 1992–2024.

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.UNEP Iraq Environmental Assessment, 2022.

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).World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Iraq Climate Data Set, 2024.

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.Sulaymaniyah Governorate Climate Archives, 1992–2000.

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.Historical archives of the Kingdom of Iraq, 1925 administrative records 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).لە بەرواری (٢٣ ی ئابی ساڵی ٢٠٢٣) بە فەرمی ناوی (ناحیەی تانجەرۆ) گۆڕدرا بە (ناحیەی عەربەت)Dr. Jamal Rashid, "History of Kurdistan Cities", 2010, pp. 89-95 According to historical sources, this area had a small population during the Ottoman Empire period and was known for the Tanjero River.Dr. Jamal Rashid, "History of Kurdistan Cities", 2010, pp. 89-95 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.{{cite web|title=Mosul Province Yearbook|url=https://omarjasim.org/2017/10/25/موصل-ولایتی-سالنامھ-سی-سالنامات-ولایة/|access-date=November 15, 2022|language=Arabic}}

During the 1970s, due to Arabization policies and village relocations, many residents of surrounding villages were forced to move to Arbat and settle there.Kurdistan Region Human Rights Reports, 1970s Arabization Documentation 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.Kurdistan Regional Government Development Reports, 1991-2000

On March 8, 1991, the uprising began in Chamchamal, Halabja, Arbat, and military camps (Zarayen, Sumud, Nasr, Barika, Piramagroon, and Allai).{{cite web|url=https://www.basnews.com/so/babat/419982|title=Kurdish Uprising Historical Documentation|publisher=Basnews|date=March 8, 2022}}File:Arbat Town (1991)-KRG, Iraq..jpg The uprisings of Râperîn 1991 Iraqi uprisings.

The name "Arbat" in Kurdish language means "place of family" or "resting place".Dr. Jalil Kakawais, "Dictionary of Kurdish Names", 2012, p. 115 Some historical sources indicate that the name comes from the word "Araba" or "Arabana", which was a means of transportation in ancient times.Dr. Farhad Pirbal, "History of Sulaymaniyah Areas", Kurdish Academy Publications, 2016, p. 78

The majority of Arbat's residents speak the Sorani dialect, which is part of the Kurdish language.Language survey of Kurdistan Region, 2021 Most of the population are Muslims. According to the latest census (2021), Arbat's population is approximately 30,000 people."Kurdistan Region Population Census 2021", Kurdistan Region Statistics Office, 2022

Arbat's economy relies on several main sectors:

Due to fertile soil and suitable climate, agriculture is one of the main sources of income for the area's residents.Agriculture in Kurdistan Region report, Ministry of Agriculture, 2022 The main products include wheat, barley, vegetables, and fruits. The agricultural land area in the region is approximately 3,000 hectares.Dr. Ako Mohammed, "Research on Kurdistan Region Agriculture", Sulaymaniyah University Journal for Agricultural Sciences, Vol. 5, No. 2, 2020, pp. 45-61

Due to proximity to Sulaymaniyah city, trade and commerce are important economic activities in the area.Economic development reports, Sulaymaniyah Chamber of Commerce, 2022 Arbat's central market includes approximately 300 shops and more than two malls commercial establishments.Market survey, Arbat Municipality, 2023

In recent years, several small factories have been established in the area, providing employment for local residents.Industrial development in Kurdistan Region, Ministry of Trade and Industry, 2022 Arbat's industrial zone was established in 2012 and contains approximately 50 factories."Opening of Arbat Industrial Zone", Kurdistan New Newspaper, September 5, 2012, p. 4

The town of Arbat administratively falls under Arbat Sub-district, which belongs to Sulaymaniyah District, Sulaymaniyah Governorate.Administrative divisions of Kurdistan Regional Government, Ministry of Interior, 2023 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.Appointment records, Kurdistan Regional Government, 2023

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

• Arbat Grand Mosque: Built in 1945 and renovated in 2005.Mohammed Raouf, "Mosques of Sulaymaniyah Area", Publications of Sulaymaniyah Awqaf Directorate, 2017, pp. 103-106
• Arbat Hill: A historical site dating back to the Assyrian period (~1000 BC) where archaeological research has been conducted.Dr. Kamaran Kosrat & Dr. Karwan Azad, "Archaeological Research Report of Arbat Hill", Kurdistan Archaeology Journal, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2019, pp. 22-35
• Arbat Spring: A natural spring rich in sulfur that some people from other places visit for therapeutic purposes, believing it has medicinal properties.Sirwan Abdulrahman, "Natural Springs of Kurdistan Region", Hawlati Newspaper, July 12, 2018, p. 7

Arbat serves as a significant hub for oil infrastructure.{{cite web |title=not found |publisher=PUKmedia |url=https://www.pukmedia.com/EN/Details/68592}} Arbat Airport is the largest agricultural airport in Iraq.{{cite web |title=unknown |publisher=PUKmedia |date=2021-08-13 |url= }} The town hosts the Phoenix Refinery, which specializes in producing bitumen and various related products.{{cite web|url=https://www.phoenix-international.com/about-us/frontier-bitumen-company/|title=Frontier Bitumen Company - Phoenix International A/S|publisher=Phoenix International A/S|access-date=2025-06-04}}{{cite web|url=https://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2023/10/05/iraqs-refining-sector-challenges-and-opportunities/|title=Iraq's Refining Sector: Challenges and Opportunities - Iraq Business News|publisher=Iraq Business News|date=2023-10-05|access-date=2025-06-04}} Additionally, Arbat features a substantial oil storage and blending terminal with a 170,000 cubic meter capacity for various fuel types.{{cite web|url=https://www.oilandgas.com/news/iraq-oil-gas/arbat-oil-storage-and-blending-terminal/|title=Arbat Oil Storage and Blending Terminal - Oil & Gas News|publisher=Oil & Gas News|access-date=2025-06-04}} A significant environmental concern is associated gas flaring at the Phoenix Refinery, contributing to air pollution and warming.{{cite web|url=https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/04062024|title=Kurdistan Region's gas flaring emits 104 million cubic meters of gas in 2023: report|publisher=Rudaw|date=2024-06-04|access-date=2025-06-04}}{{cite web|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2023/09/iraq-struggles-curb-gas-flaring-amid-security-concerns-and-outdated-infrastructure|title=Iraq struggles to curb gas flaring amid security concerns and outdated infrastructure - Al-Monitor|publisher=Al-Monitor|date=2023-09-20|access-date=2025-06-04}}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.{{cite web|url=https://data.unhcr.org/fr/documents/download/40584|title=Syrian Crisis in Iraq: Bi-weekly Update - Operational Data Portal|publisher=UNHCR|access-date=2025-06-04}}{{cite web|url=https://auis.edu.krd/iris/sites/default/files/Recommendations%20from%20Roundtable%20-%20IDP%20Crisis%20in%20Sulaimani_0.pdf>|title=Institute of Regional and International Studies - American University of Iraq, Sulaimani|publisher=American University of Iraq, Sulaimani|access-date=2025-06-04}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/iraq/iraq-arbat-transit-multi-sector-dashboard-may-2014|title=Iraq: Arbat Transit multi-sector dashboard (as of May 2014) - Iraq|date=14 October 2014 |publisher=ReliefWeb|access-date=2025-06-04}}{{cite web|url=https://us.gov.krd/media/1316/world-bank-asssessing-impact-of-humanitarian-crisis.pdf|title=Assessing the Economic and Social Impact of the Syrian Conflict and ISIS on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq|publisher=Kurdistan Regional Government|access-date=2025-06-04}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.iraq-agrofood.com/agro-iraq/|title=See you at Agro Iraq|publisher=Iraq Agrofood|access-date=2025-06-04}}{{cite web|url=https://www.agroberichtenbuitenland.nl/binaries/agroberichtenbuitenland/documenten/rapporten/2024/11/30/iraq-diary-sector-scanning/VetEffecT_Iraq+Dairy+Sector+Scanning_2024+FINAL.pdf|title=Iraq Dairy Sector Scanning - Agroberichten Buitenland|publisher=Agroberichten Buitenland|date=2024-11-30|access-date=2025-06-04}}

File:(Arbat Agricultural Airport From 2014).Kurdistan Region..png File:Arbat Agricultural Airport..png

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.arknews.net/en/node/47830|title=Deaths and injuries occurred at Arbat Airport in Sulaymaniyah - ARK News|publisher=ARK News|date=2023-09-19|access-date=2025-06-04}}{{cite web|url=https://shafaq.com/en/Kurdistan/Unidentified-drone-targets-a-Sulaymaniyah-airport-casualties-reported|title=Unidentified drone targets a Sulaymaniyah airport, casualties reported - Shafaq News|publisher=Shafaq News|date=2023-09-18|access-date=2025-06-04}} 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.

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

• Karwan Mohammed (1984–): Kurdistan national football team player and former captain of Sulaymaniyah FC.Kurdistan Football Association records, player database
• Rewaz Fayeq: Kurdish female politician and former speaker of the Kurdistan Parliament.Kurdistan Parliament official records, Speaker biography
• Mahir Hassan: Well-known Kurdish actor and theater artist.Kurdistan Artists Union, member directory

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,https://books.vejin.net/ck/text/35363 including:

{{Blockquote|

• "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."}}

• Climate change in Iraq
• Refugees in Iraq
• Pollution in Iraq

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.unhcr.org/iraq.html UNHCR Iraq]
• [https://gov.krd Kurdistan Regional Government]
• Dr. Abdullah Ghafur. "Index of Villages in South Kurdistan" (PDF) (in Kurdish).
• UNHCR Iraq. [https://www.unhcr.org/iraq.html UNHCR Iraq].
• Piramerd, "Diwan of Piramerd", 5/11/1939.
• [https://irq.postcodebase.com/ar/node/86]
• Kurdistan Regional Government - Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, Climate Monitoring Division. "Annual Climate Assessment Report (2022)". [https://krg.gov.iq/en/ministry-of-agriculture-water-resources/climate-monitoring/annual-reports/2022](https://krg.gov.iq/en/ministry-of-agriculture-water-resources/climate-monitoring/annual-reports/2022)

• Iraqi Meteorological Organization and Seismology. "Historical Climate Database of Iraq (1992-2024)". [https://www.imos.gov.iq/en/climate/historical-database](https://www.imos.gov.iq/en/climate/historical-database)

• Sulaymaniyah Directorate of Meteorology and Seismic Monitoring. "Climate Change in Kurdistan Region: Three Decades of Data (2023)". [https://sulaymaniyah.gov.krd/climate/reports/three-decades-data](https://sulaymaniyah.gov.krd/climate/reports/three-decades-data)

• World Meteorological Organization. "Climate Data for Northeastern Iraq (Compilation Reports 2000-2024)". [https://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/wcp/ccl/data/iraq/northeastern-region](https://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/wcp/ccl/data/iraq/northeastern-region)

• NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. "Global Historical Climatology Network-Monthly (GHCN-M) v4.0.1". [https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/land-based-station/global-historical-climatology-network-monthly](https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/land-based-station/global-historical-climatology-network-monthly)

Category:Populated places in Sulaymaniyah Province