Shaqlawa (, , ) is a historic city and a

hill station A hill station is a touristic town located at a higher elevation than the nearby plain or valley. The English term was originally used mostly in Western imperialism in Asia, colonial Asia, but also in Africa (albeit rarely), for towns founded by ...

in the

Erbil Governorate Erbil Governorate (; ) is a governorate of Iraq in the Kurdistan Region. It is the capital and economic hub of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq Iraq, officially the Republic of Iraq, is a country in West Asia. It is bordere ...

in the

Kurdistan Region Kurdistan Region (KRI) is a semi-autonomous Federal regions of Iraq, federal region of the Iraq, Republic of Iraq. It comprises four Kurds, Kurdish-majority governorates of Arabs, Arab-majority Iraq: Erbil Governorate, Sulaymaniyah Governorate ...

of Iraq. Shaqlawa, a city of approximately 25,500 people, lies 51 km to the northeast of

Erbil Erbil (, ; , ), also called Hawler (, ), is the capital and most populated city in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The city is the capital of the Erbil Governorate. Human settlement at Erbil may be dated back to the 5th millennium BC. At the h ...

, at the bottom of Safeen mountain. Shaqlawa is situated between Safeen mountain and Sork mountain, and sits 1066 m above sea level. The city is known for its waterfalls, trees, and greenery. It is also known for its honey.

Geography

Shaqlawa 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.

History

Shaqlawa 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.

Demographics

The population of Shaqlawa is predominantly

Kurds Kurds (), or the Kurdish people, are an Iranian peoples, Iranic ethnic group from West Asia. They are indigenous to Kurdistan, which is a geographic region spanning southeastern Turkey, northwestern Iran, northern Iraq, and northeastern Syri ...

, with a significant Christian minority, particularly Assyrian Christians. The town is known for its cultural diversity and coexistence of different religious communities.

Economy

The 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.

Culture

Shaqlawa 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.

Tourism

Shaqlawa 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.

Climate

Shaqlawa has a

Mediterranean climate A Mediterranean climate ( ), also called a dry summer climate, described by Köppen and Trewartha as ''Cs'', is a temperate climate type that occurs in the lower mid-latitudes (normally 30 to 44 north and south latitude). Such climates typic ...

(''Csa'') with very hot summers and relatively cold, wet winters. Subfreezing highs are very common in the winter, which would present

frost Frost is a thin layer of ice on a solid surface, which forms from water vapor that deposits onto a freezing surface. Frost forms when the air contains more water vapor than it can normally hold at a specific temperature. The process is simila ...

. Snowfall is not uncommon.

References

{{Districts of Iraq Cities in Iraqi Kurdistan District capitals of Iraq Populated places in Erbil Governorate Assyrian communities in Iraq Tourist attractions in Iraqi Kurdistan Kurdish settlements in Iraq