Ad Dīwānīyah, Iraq
Region: Ad Dīwānīyah Governorate
Geographic Coordinates: 31.989200, 44.924700
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 45.0°C (59°F to 113°F)
Climate: Hot and dry summers, and cool winters with occasional rainfall.
Population: 391600
Language: Arabic
Ad Dīwānīyah is a city in central Iraq, Located about 160 km south of Baghdad. It serves as the capital of Al-Qadisiyah Governorate and has a population of approximately 500, 000 people. The name Ad Dīwānīyah means administrative center in Arabic and was given due to its historical significance as a center for government administration. The city’s origins can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia, Where it was known as Dur-Kurigalzu and served as the capital city for the Kassite dynasty during the 14th century BCE.
Ad Dīwāniyyah has also played an important role in Islamic history, With several prominent scholars being born or residing there. One of Ad Dīwāniyyah’s most notable landmarks is its historic mosque that dates back to the Abbasid period (750-1258 CE). The mosque features intricate geometric designs and calligraphy on its walls and ceilings, With a large dome at its center. Another popular attraction is Al-Qadisiyah Dam that provides irrigation water for nearby farmland. Ad Dīwāniyyah has experienced significant economic growth recently due to its location near several major oil fields.
This has led to an increase in job opportunities and infrastructure development within the city. Additionally, Many international organizations have established offices in Ad Dīwāniyyah to provide aid following years of conflict. Despite these positive developments, Ad Dīwāniyyah still faces challenges such as high unemployment rates and limited access to basic services such as healthcare and education. However, Efforts are being made by local authorities and international organizations to address these issues. Overall, Ad Dīwāniyyah offers visitors a unique blend of ancient history alongside modern development.
Its rich cultural heritage and strategic location make it an important city in Iraq’s landscape.


Important Landmarks
- Al Qadisiya Stadium
- Al-Qasr al-Abyad Palace
- Al-Ma’arid Park
- Ad-Diwaniyah Museum
- Al-Hindiya Barrage

Primary Industries
- Agriculture
- Production of wheat, barley, corn, and other crops
- Livestock farming
- Cattle and sheep being the primary animals raised
- Construction
- Rise in recent years due to government investments in infrastructure projects
- Retail trade
- Traditional markets
- Modern shopping centers
- Small-scale manufacturing
- Textiles
- Furniture production
- Food processing plants
- Other industries that cater to local demand

Noteable History
- The Battle of Diwaniyah in 2007 during the Iraq War, where US forces fought against Iraqi insurgents.
- During the 1991 uprisings against Saddam Hussein’s regime, Ad Dīwānīyah was a hub for Shia resistance.
- Ad Dīwānīyah is home to several vital Shia religious sites, including Imam Ali al-Naqi’s mausoleum.
- Ayatollah Mohammad Baqir al-Sadr, a prominent Shia cleric executed by Saddam Hussein’s regime in 1980, and Nouri al-Maliki, former Prime Minister of Iraq are notable figures from Ad Dīwānīyah.
- Known for its traditional crafts such as pottery and weaving, the city has a rich cultural heritage.

Museums and Things To See
- Al-Qādisiyyah Museum
- Al-Qādisiyyah Martyrs Monument
- Al-Hassan Mosque
- Ad Dīwānīyah Cultural Center
- Mausoleum of Imam Ali bin Musa al-Ridha (AS)
- Al-Imam Ali Mosque
- The House of the Sheikh Abdul Amir al-Jamri
- The House of the Sheikh Abdul Qadir al-Kilani
- The House of the Sheikh Maher al-Basri
- The House of the Sheikh Ahmed al-Wa’eli


Cuisine
- Masgouf Al-Nahrain: A popular restaurant known for its grilled fish dish called masgouf.
- Al-Mansour Restaurant: Serves traditional Iraqi dishes like biryani, kebabs, and falafel.
- Al-Ashrafia Restaurant: Specializes in lamb dishes such as lamb tikka and lamb chops.
- Al-Rashid Bakery: Famous for its freshly baked bread and pastries like samosas and baklava.
- Abu Ali Ice Cream Shop: A beloved local spot that serves delicious ice cream flavors like pistachio, chocolate, and mango.
- Al-Sheikh Shawarma & Grills: Offers a variety of shawarma wraps filled with chicken or beef along with grilled meats like kebabs and tikka.
- Qasr El Helou Sweets & Pastries: Known for their sweets such as baklava filled with pistachios or walnuts along with other Middle Eastern desserts like knafeh (a sweet cheese pastry).
- Al-Qadisiya Park: a popular park located in the heart of the city with a large green area, children’s playgrounds, walking paths, and picnic areas.
- Al-Hussein Sports City: offers various recreational activities such as football, basketball, tennis, and swimming.
- Al-Furat River: runs through the city and offers opportunities for fishing and boating.
- Al-Muthanna University Stadium: hosts various sports events such as football matches and track-and-field competitions.
- Heritage Museum of Ad Dīwānīyah: showcases the history and culture of the region with artifacts from ancient times to modern day Iraq.
- Al-Diwaniyah Zoo: houses various animals such as lions, tigers, monkeys, and birds making it an interesting place to visit with family or friends.
- The Martyrs’ Monument Park: a park dedicated to Iraqi soldiers who lost their lives during wars with Iran (1980-1988) & US-led coalition forces (2003).

Parks and Recreation
