Khānaqīn, Iraq

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Khānaqīn, Iraq

Region: Diyala

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Geographic Coordinates: 34.333300, 45.383300

Population: 175000

Language: Kurdish

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Khānaqīn is a city situated in the Diyala Governorate of Iraq, Near the Iranian border. It has an elevation of 239 meters above sea level and a population of around 90, 000 people. The city boasts a rich cultural heritage due to its diverse mix of cultures and religions, Including Sunni Arabs, Shia Kurds, And Turkmens. The history of Khānaqīn dates back to ancient Mesopotamia when it was known as Nigin or Naga. Later on, It was conquered by the Persian Empire and became an important center for trade between Persia and Babylon.

In the 7th century AD, Muslim Arab forces took over Khānaqīn during their conquests in Mesopotamia. Due to its strategic location on the border with Iran, Khānaqīn has undergone many changes throughout history. During Saddam Hussein’s rule, It suffered from neglect and underdevelopment but saw improvements after his downfall in 2003. One landmark that stands out in Khānaqīn is its historic bridge that spans across the Diyala River linking Iraq with Iran.

Despite being destroyed several times throughout history due to conflicts between both countries or natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes – this bridge remains essential for trade between them. In recent years there have been some ethnic conflicts within Khānaqīn; however efforts are being made towards reconciliation through dialogue initiatives promoting peaceful coexistence. Despite these challenges – tourists from all over Iraq visit this vibrant city with bustling markets selling local handicrafts such as carpets woven by Kurdish women or traditional jewelry made by Turkmens while restaurants serve up delicious Iraqi cuisine like kebabs or biryani rice dishes.

Overall – Khānaqīn is a complex yet fascinating city with a diverse population working towards creating a brighter future together while preserving their unique blend of cultures & religions making it an important cultural hub in Iraq and the wider region.

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1. Khānaqīn Dam: It is a large dam located on the Diyala River which provides irrigation water for the surrounding agricultural land.
2. Qal’at Sherqat: It is a castle situated on top of a hill overlooking the Tigris River.
3. Al-Askari Mosque: This mosque is one of the holiest sites for Shia Muslims and it contains the tombs of two imams.
4. Erbil Citadel: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to at least 2300 BC and was continuously inhabited until the 19th century.
5. Lake Dokan: Located in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, this lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains and offers various water sports activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing.
6. Zangeneh Cave: A natural cave located near Khanaqin that features spectacular stalactites and stalagmites formations.
7. The Great Mosque of Samarra: Another important Islamic site that features a unique spiral minaret known as Malwiya Tower.
8. Amadiya Fortress: Located near Duhok city in Kurdistan Region, this fortress dates back to ancient Assyrian times and offers breathtaking views over surrounding valleys from its high walls.
9. Arbil Bazaar (Souk): A bustling marketplace where visitors can buy traditional Kurdish handicrafts such as rugs, textiles, ceramics along with spices, sweets & souvenirs etc
10. Tikrit Castle (Qal’at Salahuddin): One of Iraq’s most impressive castles built during Abbasid era which served as residence for Saladin during his campaigns against crusaders’.

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• The major industries and businesses in Khānaqīn, Iraq include:
1. Agriculture
2. Oil and gas exploration
3. Construction
4. Retail trade
5. Transportation
• The city is also home to a number of small businesses such as:
• Restaurants
• Cafes
• Additionally, the nearby Diyala River provides opportunities for:
• Fishing
• Water sports

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Noteable History

1. The Battle of Khānaqīn took place in 633 AD and was the first major battle between Arab forces and the Sassanid Empire.
2. The Imam Ali Mosque, located in Khānaqīn, is dedicated to one of the most important figures in Shia Islam.
3. Sheikh Mahmud Barzanji led a rebellion against British colonial rule in Iraq from 1919 to 1924, which included an attack on Khānaqīn.
4. Fighting took place in Khānaqīn during the Kurdish uprising from 1961 to 1970 when Kurdish people rose up against the Iraqi government.
5. Jalal Talabani was a prominent Kurdish politician who served as President of Iraq from 2005 to 2014 and spent much of his early life near Khānaqīn.
6. Qasem Soleimani was an Iranian military commander who supported Shia militias during Iraq’s civil war and was killed by a US drone strike near Khānaqīn in January 2020.
7. During ISIS’s occupation of northern Iraq from 2014 to 2017, they controlled parts of Diyala province where Khānaqīn is located and carried out numerous attacks before being driven out by Iraqi forces with support from US-led coalition airstrikes.

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Museums and Things To See

1. Khanaqin Museum
2. Qal’at Sherqat (Sherqat Castle)
3. Al-Mustafa Mosque
4. Imām Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq Shrine
5. The Ancient City of Harwanah
6. The Tomb of Imam Ali Gharib
7. Al-Qadisiyah Dam
8. Tigris River Cruise
9. Lake Hamrin

Please note that due to the current security situation in Iraq, it is important to check with local authorities before visiting any of these places and take necessary precautions for safety reasons while traveling in the region if you plan on doing so in the future when it is safe to do so again after Covid-19 pandemic restrictions are lifted by the government authorities.

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Cultural Events

1. Eid al-Fitr: A religious festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of Ramadan.
2. Ashura: A Shia Muslim festival that honors the martyrdom of Imam Hussain.
3. Newroz: A Kurdish New Year celebration that occurs annually on March 21st.
4. Arbaeen: A Shia Muslim pilgrimage occurring 40 days after Ashura in Karbala.
5. Baghdad International Festival: An annual event featuring music, dance, and theater performances from various cultures around the world.
6. Babylon Festival for International Cultures and Arts: An annual cultural event held in Babylon city showcasing arts from different parts of Iraq and other countries as well.

Please note that these are just a few examples; there may be other cultural events or festivals taking place in Khānaqīn throughout the year based on local customs and traditions.

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Cuisine

1. Kebab: Grilled meat skewers served with rice and salad are a popular dish in Khānaqīn. Some of the best places to try kebab include Al-Sham Restaurant and Al-Ameen Restaurant.
2. Dolma: Stuffed vegetables such as grape leaves, zucchini, and eggplant filled with rice and meat are a must-try in Khānaqīn. You can find this dish at many local restaurants such as Al-Salam Restaurant.
3. Masgouf: A traditional Iraqi dish consisting of grilled fish marinated with spices is also quite popular in Khānaqīn. You can try it at Masgouf Al-Iraqi Restaurant.
4. Qeema: Spiced minced meat cooked with onions and tomatoes is another delicious local specialty that you can find at many restaurants around town.
5. Falafel: Deep-fried balls made from chickpeas or fava beans served with tahini sauce or hummus is a favorite snack food among locals in Khānaqīn.

Some other notable restaurants to check out include:

• Nakhil Palace Restaurant for its traditional Arabic-style decor and live music performances
• Shams El Shamal for its rooftop seating area overlooking the city skyline
• Darb al-Karama for its cozy atmosphere and homemade dishes made from fresh ingredients sourced locally from nearby farms

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Parks and Recreation

1. Khānaqīn Park: This public park is located in the center of Khānaqīn, offering green spaces and playgrounds for children.
2. Al-Hussainiyyah Park: Another public park that features a large lake with boats for hire and picnic areas.
3. Football Stadium: The city has a football stadium where locals gather to watch matches and participate in games themselves.
4. Tennis Courts: There are several tennis courts available for use by residents and visitors alike.
5. Swimming Pools: Some hotels offer swimming pools as part of their amenities, which can be used by guests or visitors for a fee.
6. Hiking Trails: The nearby mountains provide opportunities for hiking and exploring nature trails with scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
7. Fishing Spots: The Diyala River runs through Khānaqīn, providing ample fishing opportunities for those who enjoy this activity.

It’s important to note that these activities may not be up-to-date as situations change over time so it’s best to check local resources before planning any trips or activities in the area.

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Travel And Be Free.

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