Nohadra Territory

The center is the city of Nohadra, which is at the same time the center of the governorate. It lies in an extended and wide valley, to the north of the city there is the White mountain and to the south there is the great Dahkan (Shindokha) mountain, two small rivers flow in the city the first is called Nohadra river which gushes from the north near the village of Khaziava and flows to the south, an irrigation duct was built on it in the Nohadra narrow passage (Geli Nohadra) in 1990. The second tributary is smaller than the first one and is called Hishkarow River which gushes from the north- east near Barebuhar village and flows to the south- western, both rivers meet in the south- west of the city. The water of both rivers is used for watering the fruit orchards spread on their banks.

The remains which can be seen close to the city show that it had a significant location from the dawn of history to the present time. Nohadra is an important historical city because of its strategic position between the narrow passages (Geli Nohadra, Kashafer) which lead to the (Dargala Sheikhan) narrow passage where there were roads and paths which connected the Assyrian state in Nineveh and the kingdoms of Urartu, Kutians and Meetanians

Nohadra is famous for having many fruit fields and celebrated grapes but in the recent years and according to al- Ba’ath policy seeking to deprive the Assyrian citizen from his land, therefore the government registered the lands and fields in the name of Nohadra municipality then changed them into residential areas, so nothing left except the fields on the banks of both rivers which give a lot of resources and income to the citizens who depend on agriculture to earn their living.

The city spreads from its southern, western and eastern sides after the displacement policy which was applied by the Ba’ath regime to the villages in the country side, therefore a lot of the inhabitants took refuge inside the city and made its parts public residential quarters and after the public uprising the commercial movement flourished and it became an important trade center in the North of Iraq (Occupied Assyria) Region. The city is surrounded by mountains from three directions, the White Mountain in the north, Shindokha Mountain in the south and Mamseen Mountain in the east while in the west the city is opened to Simel’s.

(Simeleh) agricultural plain.

There are many ancient places in the city and its surroundings which represent the life and culture of our fore-fathers, we can say it is a sort of a museum containing a lot of locations, statues and carved pictures in its caves in addition to the remains of ancient tombs spread in its lands to the present time which tell the story of the generations and periods the city passed by:

1-Nohadra Castle

The castle was in the location, which is occupied now by the Post and Communications Office.

2-Chewar Stoon Settlement (cave)

The settlement lies in the eastern side of Nohadra’s narrow passage (Geli Nohadra). The most important evidence which confirms that it was an ancient settlement is the existence of a wall in the western side of it, also the existence of earthenware and stony bases for residential buildings and tombs. It is certain that the settlement was a scene for several ancient civilization periods and the joint relationship between the temple and the settlement is the existence of five torches (Hawen) spread on the road which leads to the main temple through a tunnel about 11 meters in length, 4 meters in width and about 3 meters in height.
The main temple has four columns in it, one of them remains to the present time, each stony column is laid in the corner of a stony square shaped bench; the length of its side is about 4.80 meters and centralizes the temple which is carved in the rock.

3-Maalthaya Hill

It is a great archaeological hill, lying to the west of Nohadra city by about 7 km and on the main road which connects Nohadra to Mosul and Zakho, the Assyrian earthenware is spread on its surface, it is thought that it was (Malitay) the Assyrian city which means the entrance or the path, it is also believed that it was a military castle of great and strategic importance in the Assyrian reign.

4-Halamata Cave

It lies at the foot of Shindokha Mountain in front of Gavarik village to the south west of Nohadra. These remains consist of four carved images in the form of similar scenes; each image contains a procession of seven gods riding on sacred animals with the king standing in front of the procession and another person behind him. These gods represent (Ashur, Enlil, Seen, Sun, Ishtar and Adad) it possibly represents a commemoration of a military triumph.

Nohadra City is the center of the governorate and the territory. The territory’s area is about 107 Km Square. It contains (7) villages and they are (Upper Maaltha, Lower Maaltha, Gavarik, Shindokha, Shakheki, Baroshki and Nizarki) and these villages became quarters of the city.

Nohadra territory consists of two districts and they are the Zawita district and the Doski district.

1-Zawita District

Its center is the Lower Zawita, which is far from the territory by about 16 Km and its area is about 420 Km Square. It contains (59) villages all of them were destroyed before and during the Anfal operations except the center of the district and the two enforced collective towns (Kori Gavana) and (Bakira). The center of the district is situated on the main road, which joins the center of the district to Amediya territory.

Zawita town is considered one of the beautiful resorts in the Nohadra governorate; the highest temperature in Zawita reaches 36 C in the summer. It is well- known for its elms forests where there are extended areas of shade therefore king Faisal II chose a spot among these forests and had a house built for leisure. The people of Nohadra City make this area as their recreational ground throughout the year. The district is famous for its dense forests and excellent pasturelands for cattle breeding.

The citizens of the district depend on winter agriculture to earn their living such as wheat, barley, lentils, chick- peas, etc, or by exploiting the plain areas such as Maman plain and Badi- knoll. They also take care of growing the fields of grapes, peaches and sumac trees in addition to summer crops such as rice, tomatoes, tobacco, peas, beans and vegetables, as well as growing fruitful trees like peaches, apricots, walnuts and (Tayfi) grapes in villages such as Bari Buhar, Khaziava, Binarink, Emink and others are well- known for growing such fruitful trees benefiting from the water of springs which are spread in the area in addition to the water of the following small rivers:

1- Zawita- Kora- Rashanki- Benarink- Bedeel- Gomill.
2- Bagera- Kora- Rashanki- Benarink- Bedeel- Gomill.
3- Kizoo- Peda- Bedeel- Gomill.
4- Khaziava- linava- Garmava- Duhok Dam- Duhok- Tigris.
5- Beri Buhar, Beseri, Nazarki, Duhok, Tigris.

The most important mountain in the district is Kamaka which forms the northern and western borders of the district and Bessi, Sepi-reze, Mamseen, Zawita Mountains, Kantara, Zorwa and the district is distinguished by its roughness and complexity.

There are many archaeological places in the district such caves in the hills and other remains. The Nohadra Archaeology Office recorded 24 archaeological locations, the most important ones are: Badi archaeological palace (destroyed during the Anfal operations), Mamyan castle on Kamaka Mountain, Beseri caves, Eteet, Koradeer, Piromara Mountain, Bakhornif Mountain, the black cave in Kizoo, and other places.

There are many suitable places in the district which can serve as resorts, and many people regularly visit them during the summer for relaxing and tourism, these areas can benefit from projects of reform and reconstruction such as (Birgeen, Babilo, Kizoo, Merdeenk, Stokorik) and other villages.

2- Doski District

The center is the town of Mangish which is about 30 Km from the territory’s center. Its area is about 454 Km Square and contains (63) villages all of them were destroyed except the district center and Hogava village. The district joins the center of the governorate by a paved road branching from the north of Zawita narrow passage to the north- western part passing in the middle of Doski area.

The word Mangish has several meanings: It is said that one of the disciples St. Thomas had passed in this area on his way to India and St. Thomas was the one who touched the Christ to believe in His Resurrection, It’s called Man- Kash in the Assyrian language therefore the area is named according to this process

The district is well known for having excellent pastures and dense forests, the citizens depend on winter season agriculture such as wheat, barley, lentils and chick- peas benefiting from the flat and plain lands and knolls like Deragizhnik plain and Telakorow knoll and other flat and even lands spread in all parts of the district beside the fields of seasonal grapes and trees like sumac, nuts, figs, pears, peaches, apricots, apples and quinces. They also practice summer season agriculture like, tomatoes, rice, peas, beans, tobacco, onions, garlic, etc benefiting from the water springs spread in villages and valleys and the following small rivers:

1- Derk- Shamrakh- Sadi- Shawrik- Navdara- Chiran- Ashank- Khabir.
2- Mangish- Dulia- Kanisark- Geli Karam- Navdara- Chiran- Ashank- Khaboor.

In addition to the Khaboor River, which forms the northern- western border of the district, its eastern bank is heavily used for agriculture and the bank of western Sapna tributary which forms the northern border of the district. The inhabitants breed cattle and poultry.

The Kamaka Mountain is the most important and it extends from the east to the west till it meets with the White Mountain; the Birgeen village is erected to the south of the district in addition to the Kovili heights, Beroski and Zewka- Abu.

Remains, hills, castles and archaeological cities are found in the district, Nohadra Archaeology Office recorded (36) archaeological locations such as the Adad Nirari statue in Dergla sheikha, Geripete, Deragizhnik remains, Besefike, Derk, Babukheke, Gelnaseke and others plus the precious scripts in the Mangish Church which go back to 1574 A.D.
There are many suitable places for resorts like Gelnaseke, Dukhorik, Besheenk and others.

Simel (Simeleh) Territory

Simel town lies to the west of governorate center in the middle of fertile and plain lands, it is far from Nohadra City in about (16) km and situates on the international road, which leads to Zakho.
Its lands are distinguished by the fertility of their soil and considered to be the main source of producing cereal in the governorate specially winter season crops like wheat, barley, lentils, chick- peas and beans in addition to summer season crops like tomatoes, rice, vegetables, sun- seed flowers, melons and water melons beside the fruit fields such as peaches, apples, pears, pomegranates, etc benefiting from irrigation wells spread all over the area, also they benefit from the water of the Nohadra River which passes from the west of the territory and flows to the Mosul dam lake. Some of the citizens work in cattle breeding which are considered the basic source of their living, on the other hand, many citizens work in commerce benefiting from the international road which passes by the territory. Since the territory lands are plain therefore, a mountain forms its northern border and divides it from the mountainous areas. The Dulob heights extend to the south of the territory. Nohadra Archaeology Office recorded (34) archaeological locations, they are 1-Simel hill 2-Busarya 3-Kashafir 4-Mam Shivan and others.

The territory area is about (306) Km Square and contains (30) villages in addition to two districts, they are:
1-Faida district
2-Selevani district

Faida District

The center is the town of Faida; it lies to the south of the governorate’s center, on the western edge of the little Dahkan Mountain and on a paved road leading to Mosul. Its area is about 281 Km Square and consists of (32) villages all of them were destroyed before and during the infamous Anfal operations. The majority of the citizens of the Zetik plain villages which lie to the north west of the district’s center were gathered in Sharfiya collective town in addition to forcefully displacing the rest of the villages under the pretence that they were too close to the Faida military camp.

There are some villages in the district which were inhabited by our Arab compatriots. The villages lie to the eastern bank of the Tigris River. The lands of the district are famous for growing winter season crops like wheat, barley, chick- peas, lentils, beans, etc. The inhabitants also exploit the Zetik and Simel (Duban) plains. There are also the summer season crops such as tomatoes, rice, onions, sun-flower seeds and fruit orchards like peaches, pears, apricots, pomegranates and apples benefiting from the irrigation wells and from the water of springs spread all over the district. The most important mountains in the district are the great Dahkan and the little Dahkan. Many Yizidis live with the Muslims in the district; there are also some Christians in the area. The Nohadra Archaeology Office recorded 34 archaeological locations, some of them are: Badriya castle, Dostaka caves, the monastery of Mar Daniel and others.

Selevani District

The Fishkhabor and Derabon collective towns were abolished and the excuse was security reasons and the houses in them were neglected as well. 2106 Arab families were settled in the district and then another regulation No. 3162 was issued on July 10th, 1985 to grant the Arab families agricultural lands.
The center of the district was changed to Batel collective town in 1979 and this city lies on the international road Nohadra- Zakho and was joined to the Simel (Simeleh) territory.

The district’s lands are fertile, plain and suitable for agriculture specially the famous plain of Selevani which extends from the Duban plain to FishKhabor on Tigris River. Most of the people depend on winter agriculture like wheat, barley and others in addition to summer crops like tomatoes, and also cattle breeding. The district is considered to be the main source for producing wheat and barley in the governorate and its lands get enough rain water in addition to the water of springs and wells spread allover the district. The most important mountains in the district are the White and Bekher which form the northern border with the Rezgari district.

Many archaeological locations are found in the district. The Nohadra Archaeology Office recorded (34) locations spread on the southern feet of White and Bekher mountains, some of those are: Assihe palace, Zaafaran city, Basiteke remains and others.

Zakho Territory

It is one of the important territories, considered to be the gate of the region to the external world.

Zakho city is the center of the territory which lies on the south- western side of the famous plain of Sendi with its fertile soil; Zakho is a beautiful city characterized by a lot of water and nice climate, it lies on the Khabor River which passes by and a branch from the river divides the city into two parts and there is a stony bridge on it. Its name is derived from the Assyrian word Zakhota which means the victory.

The people of Zakho depend on agriculture to earn their living specially winter crops like wheat, barley, chick- peas, various types of peas, beans and different kinds of fruit trees in the Sendi plain and other flat areas in addition to the summer crops like tomatoes, rice, tobacco, and other sorts of vegetables. Zakho’s territory is well known for growing trees such as walnuts and pomegranates.

The production rate is very high due to the fertility of the lands and the availability of fresh water. The city was also considered to be the main source of making and exporting the traditional Assyrian clothes (Shalleh and Shapikkeh) but this trade began to shrink because of the shortage in the materials used for making the clothes and men shifted to wear clothes made of other types of material.

The city is regarded as the gate of the region to the external world therefore it becomes an important commercial center, the majority of Zakho’s people work in commerce and there are many trade companies in the city. Zakho is full of historical remains; the Nohadra Archaeology Office listed (15) archaeological locations such as:

1-Dalaleh Bridge

This bridge is erected over the Khabor River to the east of the city.

The length of the bridge is about 114 meters, the width is about 4.70 meters, the height from the water surface is about 15.50 meters, it is erected using carved cut stones and consists of a wide and high arch in the middle and other smaller arches on the sides, there are five arches in total. The walls are built by carved limestone and they are put together in a beautiful and decorated way by using lime for plastering the walls.

2-Zakho castle

It lies in the city center on the western side of the Khabor River and it is still in sight. The castle was erected on the ruins of an older castle because the remaining parts indicate that it was a strong and solid castle built by large pebble stones and coated with gypsum, and there is still in sight a huge tower built with square stones.

3-Kesta remains

Kesta was an ancient city, its history belonged to the Assyrian periods, since Assyrian, Greek and Islamic coins and statues were found in this city. Its surface area is about 1378 Km Square and contains three districts, they are:

1-Rezgari district

The center is Ibrahim Khalil town, it is considered to be the main gate of the region to the external world in which an international road passes by the town to Turkey.
The district center lies close to the meeting point of Heezal River to Khabor River where the international bridge passes by Turkey.
The name of the town came from the village where the tomb of the father of the prophets Abraham is found. It is considered to be a tourism area in itself and a recreational ground for both the Zakho residents and for the governorate.

The people depend on agriculture specially winter crops like wheat, barley, chick- peas, lentils, gram, etc even if they are not sufficient in addition to the summer crops like tomatoes, rice and all kinds of vegetables, they also grow fruit fields, Lefi area is famous for its fruit orchards specially fruit trees like armoneh i.e. pomegranates, various types of grapes, peaches, apples and olives which are considered to be an ancient crop in the area benefiting from the water of Khabor River.

One of the most important mountains is the White Mountain, which extends from the south of Doski district towards the west and forms the southern border for the district. The international road passes by the district to Zakho city across Geli Sepi. The series of mountains overlooks the Fishkhabor River. There are many ancient remains and locations in the district, the Nohadra Archaeology Office listed (22) archaeological positions few of these are:

1- Armishet castle.
2- Ruins of Derabon and Fishkhabor.
3- Ruins of Betas.
4- Ruins of Dornakh.
5- The ruins of Ibrahim Khalil.

The district’s surface area is about 295 Km square and has 43 villages all of them were destroyed during the Anfal operations except the district center, the western areas of the lands were considered as no-man’s zones claiming that a strategic oil pipe line passed through them.

2-Sendi district

It lies to the north east of the territory’s center. It was joined to the neighboring district of Goli forming the Goli and Sendi districts. Its center was Bersive village which was detached in 1924 and the center remained there, after that it was changed to Sharanish village. The lands in the district can be divided into two areas separated by the Zhigera mountain series, since the area which lies to the north of it, distinguished by having many mountains, high areas and deep valleys with many springs and small rivers like the following tributaries:

1- Sharanish- Istablan- Bahnona Sendi- Heezal.
2- Garowk- Marsees- Barikh- Bahnona Sendi- Heezal.

The second area is the Sendi plain with its rich sources, Zakho is situated in the southern side of this plain, a paved road passes in the middle of the plain, which joins the territory’s center in addition to joining Goli district and Barwari Bala to Zakho City.
The majority of the people work in agriculture of winter crops such as wheat, barley, chick- peas, lentils and other crops by exploiting Sendi plain beside summer crops like tomatoes, rice, tobacco and others. The district is well known for its apples, walnuts, pears, pomegranates and peaches it is also famous for its oak trees.

The area is famous for breeding cattle, goats and sheep taking advantage of the fertile pasturelands and the fine climate in summer. The northern areas of the district can be turned into nice and beautiful resorts since the temperature does not exceed 32 degrees C.; the mountains are covered with dense forests particularly in Sharanish, Geli Sepi and Agha Sarket Sendia areas. The most important mountains in the district are Zheegera and Khamatoir.

The district is considered to be a depot for archaeological sites which reveal the bright pages telling the story of the generations in this area, Nohadra Archaeology Office recorded (48) ancient locations and few are:

1- Pera Rabanka (Peshock (
2- Pera Sheik Yousef
3- Sanat castles
4- Geli Barikh castles
5 -Sulaman Sendi castle
6 -Istablan caves and others.

The district’s surface area is about 531 Km square and has (69) villages which were destroyed before and during the Anfal campaigns, enforced collective towns were built in the Sendi plain to be inhabited by the displaced citizens of the villages such as Darkar, Heezava, Bersive, Telkabar and Darhuzan villages, some of Barwari Bala citizens were re-settled in the collective town with the citizens of the district itself.

3-Goli district

The center is Batifa town, which lies in the north- east of the territory center; it formed one district with Sendi district but was detached in 1924 under the name of Goli district. Demka village was made its center, then changed to Bahnona village and after that settled in Batifa. It is situated on the main road, which joins Barwari Bala area to Zakho City.

The lands of the district can be divided into two areas, a plain area forming an extension from the Sendi plain to the Khabor River, the second area is a rough mountainous area, there are many deep valleys, mountainous heights with difficult paths in this area, also there are many rivers, brooks and springs which benefit agriculture, people of the district depend on winter season crops like wheat, barley, chick- peas, lentils, gram, etc, in addition to summer crops like rice, tomatoes and all types of vegetables, people shifted in recent years to grow fruitful trees like apples, peaches, pears, pomegranates, apricots and others. Its valleys are famous for growing poplar trees beside types of grapes, walnuts and nuts benefiting from the water of the small rivers Zeriza and Seerkotik also the utmost benefit from Khabor River.

The people of the district breed cattle due to the existence of fertile pasture lands in the mountains since the climate is nice and water is available.
The most important mountains in the district are Nizdor, Rawaysi, Kashan, Sarke Showini, Bahnona and Shabani.
The most important rivers in the district are Zeriza, Seerkotik and Khabor.
There are many historical and ancient places in the district, the Nohadra Archaeology Office listed (15) locations, some of which are:

1-Shabani the famous castle
2-Kashan castle
3-Bekwane castle

The district’s surface area is about 208 Km square and has (60) villages, which were destroyed before, and during the Anfal campaign except the district center and Begova enforced collective town.

Amediya Territory

The town of Amediya lies to the north of the center of the governorate.
The town was built on a natural castle, its area is about 17.5 Km square and it is higher than the neighboring areas by about one thousand feet. The town has a remote history full of events and incidents. It goes back to the days of the Assyrian Empire, the archaeologists say that Amediya is the town of Amat which is mentioned in the tablets of the Assyrian Empire during the reign of king Shamshi Adad V 823- 810 B.C. and in the writings of king Adad –Nirari III 804- 782 B.C. Amat was also mentioned in the neo Babylonian period. The town was joined later on to the Islamic rule.

During the British mandate of 1918 A.D., a British ruler was appointed in Amediya to manage the area, but when the Iraqi State was formed, Amediya became a territory belonging to Mosul Vilayat, the first Mayor was appointed to Amediya in 1924 A.D.
Amediya is well known for its many beautiful locations such as Sulav and the famous Singe, green areas and running water which add magic and beauty to the territory, Sulav valley is famous for growing different kinds of trees like figs, walnuts, peaches and apples. The agricultural area is very small but at the same time it’s very fertile. It depends on the water of springs for irrigation. The town is famous for making pottery.

Dergani village is famous for the art of pottery; and pottery making specialists refer to it as an independent pottery school by itself. In addition to agriculture and cattle breeding, the people work in trades, the town is considered to be the trade market in the area.
It is essential that Amediya becomes a semi- museum full of archaeological places, locations and buildings can be seen and tell the story of many generations, Nohadra Archaeology Office listed (34) ancient locations and few of them are:

1-The eastern gate is called Zeybar gate, it was demolished when paved roads reached the town in 1938 A.D.

2-The western gate is called Mosul gate or Saqefa four engraved images are seen on it representing people who are smaller than the ordinary size. They might belong to the Parthian era 148 B.C- 226 A.D. they might represent some of the Parthian kings who fought the Romans; it is a huge gate built with marble stones.

3-Emirate (governing) house
It was in the northern-eastern side of the town, built in a square form and consisted of two floors. Nothing is left from the house except a part of the gate where there was an inscription which consisted of a griffin with two serpents under its legs to indicate the wisdom of the government in looking after the interests of the people.

1-Sarsink district

It lies on the main road which passes from the center of the governorate to Amediya territory center, it is far from Nohadra city by about 30 Km, it rises from the sea level by about 1046 M, the highest temperature in summer is 24C, it was considered to be the most famous resort in the North of Iraq (heartland of Assyria) It is distinguished by its calm climate and fresh water, the royal palace of the former Iraqi kingdom and the stony hotel were built in it and meetings for the Baghdad treaty and Iraqi ministers were held there at that time.
The district’s name came from (the chest of the mountain) because it is situated in the middle of Gara Mountain.

Natural forests cover vast areas of lands; the district has benefited from exploiting their wood and excellent pasturelands for breeding large numbers of cattle. The people generally work in agriculture growing winter crops like wheat, barley, chick- peas and lentils by exploiting western plain of Sapna and other flat and plain areas in the district and growing summer crops like rice, tomatoes, vegetables, onions and tobacco which is a well- known product in Bari Gara village.
There are many orchards of apples, peaches, pears and grapes as well as trees such as walnuts, nuts, figs, poplar, gallnuts, oaks and others. The most important mountains in the district are: Gara which lies in the middle of the district lands and Mateen Mountain which forms the northern border of the district and separates the district from Barwari Bala. The most important rivers in the district are:

1 -Western Sapna tributary which flows from Araden- Barbank- Dawdia- Hamza- Duker- Khabor.

2 -Mizeh river- Kanimazen- Shekafte- Masalaka- Chamritek- Bakurman- Khazir.

There are many ancient locations in the district, the Nohadra Archaeology Office listed (14) archaeological locations although a complete survey has not been made for the district, the most important ones are in Bamarni and Zewa in which there is the tomb of Sheik Piramos built on the location of a monastery, it was populous in the 9th century A.D. The most important resorts beside the district center are Swaratika, Ashawa, Enishekeh, Araden, Garago, Kanibalaveh and Bari Gara village which is considered to be the most beautiful place for tourism and skiing if it was to be developed.

The Iraqi president had made Ashawa, Enishkeh and the Gara mountain special areas for tourism and built many palaces and special casinos for himself and his followers, but the inhabitants were denied access to the area.
The district surface area is about 918 Km square and contains (101) villages which were destroyed before and during the Anfal campaign except the district center and Aqdish enforced collective town.

2-Barwari Bala district

The center is Kanimasi (the original Assyrian name of the area is Aina d’Nouneh meaning Fish Spring) it can be reached by a paved road from Zakho city- Sendi plain- Begova- Kanimasi and the second road from Bamerni- Dihe- Kanibalaveh and joins the road in Chaqala plain. The governorate management started to open a third road from Sulav- Upper part of Amediya.

The people of the district depend on agriculture, the area was well- known for growing apples which rivaled the international types, but all the apple orchards were burnt and sprayed with chemicals during the Anfal operations, today apple, apricot, pears and peach trees are planted. Summer crops are grown such as tomatoes, rice, onions, peas, beans and vegetables benefiting of the springs water and small rivers like the following tributaries:

Oura, Bedoh, Maie, KaniMasi, Terwanish, Baluka, Zeymazen . Sararow, Beqolik, Gedidike, Musaka, Nahenk, Khabor.
Kabnirk, Shilaza, Assihe, Gerisoor, Musaka, Nahenk, Khabir.

The inhabitants also benefit from the Khabor and Zeymazen rivers, the area is famous for its trees like walnuts, nuts, gallnuts, oaks, pears and others. The most important mountains in the district are Mateen Mountain, which forms the southern border of the district and Sarzer, Sharani, Kabnirk and Hiror Mountains. There are many ancient locations in the district although the area has not been completely surveyed but there are still some ruins in sight. There is a bridge which joins Barwari Bala to Nerwa Rekan as well as Mar Giwargis church and Mar Qumia in Dere. The district area is about 608 Km square and consists of (82) villages which were destroyed before and during the Anfal campaign and the people went to enforced collective towns Begova- Heezawa- Aqdish.

2-Nerwa Rekan district

The center was in Bebo village but it was transferred to Deraluk enforced collective town after the displacement campaigns of the Ba’ath regime, the district lies to the far north- east of the governorate, it is well known for its rough lands which hardly have any paved roads except Amediya- Deraluk- Sheladize- Balenda- Chamjew.

The people depend on agriculture to earn their living by growing winter crops like wheat and barley in small quantities and now they grow yellow corn in addition to summer crops like rice and vegetables for local consumption benefiting from the water of springs and small rivers, the most important crops of the district are walnuts, gallnuts, nuts, oaks and others, the following are the tributaries which run in the area:

1-Marg tributary which forms from two tributaries:

A-Kinyanish- Nerwasito- Gamiska- Mazi- Chamjew- Bibarkha- Geli balenda- Roisheen.
B-Sherk- Arish- Charmanda- Oura- Mazi- Chamjew- Bibarkha- Geli balenda- Roisheen.

2-Bebo tributary which consists of two branches:

A- Bebo- Sepi- Sarni- Pashi- Shive- Zara- Zey.
B- Zeywa sari- Sarni- Pashi- Zara- Zey.

3-Dutaza- Nerwa zheri- Kanisark- Kara- Zey.

In addition to Zey Mazen river which forms the western border of the district and separates Barwari Bala area and Shamdeen (Roisheen) river which forms the eastern border of the district disjoined from Barzan and Mizouri area.

The district area is about 1007 Km square and has (86) villages which were destroyed before and during the Anfal campaign, the people were displaced to other areas in collective towns like Sireh, Sheladize- Deraluk and Komany and some of them to Aqdish and Bagera collective towns.

Sheikhan Territory

The center is the Assyrian town of Ain-Sapna (the Kurds changed it to Ain Sephne)
The Alqosh district was joined to the Telkef territory in 1970 with two districts remaining within the Sheikhan territory and they are Mizouri and Mereba.
The nature of the lands is mountainous with some plain areas beside the plain land of Mereba district which is considered an extension to Nafkor plain (Marge plain) and Barbin plain, these plains are well known for their fertile lands, different types of cereal is grown in addition to growing summer crops benefiting from the water of Gomil and Khabir rivers.
The most important mountains in the territory are Khere, Atrosh, Berifka, Sheikh Addi and Chiyapank. In the territory, there are several ancient sites, which go back to the Assyrian reign such as:

1- Khannis remains

They were mentioned in Assyrian writings, there are engravings and an irrigation system which belonged to the reign of King Sennacherib in 691 B.C. Fresh water was brought from the Gomil river to the capital Nineveh, stones were used to build the canal through a distance of about 80 km. King Sennacherib commissioned the engravings of Khannis at the foot of the right bank of the river, the scenes represented him standing in front of the Assyrian gods who are shown mounting on special animals, there are cuneiform writings describing the king’s project to provide water to Mosul and an inscription mentioning the destruction of Babylon. Visitors are able to see the statues with engravings of the Assyrian Lamassu (Winged Bulls) The remains of the canal can still be seen with its gates to divert water; some of the remains in the area were used as hermit’s cells for Christian monks.

2- Charwana viaduct

It is one of the eighteen canals which were dug for water during the project of King Sennacherib to supply water to Nineveh, two million stones were used in building the canal, each stone averaging (50x50x65) CM with five curves. A delegation from Chicago University had inspected this viaduct in (1932- 1934) and found a chamber belonging to King Sennacherib, where he had placed the information about the building of the viaduct.

3- The territory is about 1333 Km square and consists of (115) villages with two districts:

1-Mizouri district

The center is the town of Atrosh and it is also the center of Sheikhan territory, it is joined to the Nohadra governorate by a paved road, which joins the city of Nohadra to Aqra territory and the governorate of Arbil. The villages of the district were destroyed before and during the Anfal campaign except the center. The district is well known for its dense forests and excellent pasture lands, the people benefit from the fertile lands to breed cattle, and they depend on agriculture to earn their living by growing winter crops like wheat, barley, chick-peas, lentils etc. benefiting from the Shemkan plain in addition to the flat and plain lands on the sides of Gomil river, they grow trees like apples, pears, peaches, pomegranates and fields of different kinds of grapes beside summer crops such as rice, tomatoes, vegetables and tobacco which is considered to be a famous crop in the district benefiting from water of springs and small rivers like Belkeb, Belan and Azakh.

The most important mountains in the district are Khere, Sari Atrosh, Berifka, Geli-Qerik and Zirwa, the Nohadra Archaeology Office listed (56) ancient locations in the district like Zoroastrian fire altar in Basifri and Beri caves.

2- Mereba district

The center is the town of Chera. The district is joined to the territory by a paved road, it has (72) villages. The lands are famous for their fertile plains and with high rates of production since they are an extension to Nafkor plain (Murage plain).
The people earn their living by growing winter crops like wheat, barley, chick-peas, and lentils in addition to summer crops like rice, potatoes, tomatoes, sesame, sun-flower seeds and other types of vegetables benefiting from the water of Gomil and Khazir rivers, khazir river forms the eastern border for the district in addition to the various springs and surface wells which are well known for their abundance. The people are interested in breeding cattle.
Cheya pank-Sari Kokhia Mountain forms the northern border of the district, there are many archaeological locations in the knolls and hills of Mila Basseka and they are still in sight.

Aqra Territory

The center is Aqra town, it is considered to be one of the large territories in the governorate. Aqra was joined to the Nohadra governorate on July 15th 1992. The houses in the town are built close to the mountain’s summit in a beautiful way forming a unique image which distinguishes it from other towns. The town overlooks two wide and deep valleys with fruit fields and inside the eastern valley there is Seepa water fall which is visited by tourists to enjoy its beautiful view and the cool weather in the summer season. Aqra is one of the most ancient towns; it is thought that Aqra emerged in about 700 B.C. as a settling area and it has locations which affirm that the town was important before and after the birth of Christ.

The inhabitants depend on agriculture in both winter and summer seasons in addition to having fields of olive trees, pomegranates, figs and peaches benefiting from the water of many springs in its valleys. Rice is grown widely and it is considered to be the best kind, in addition to commerce since the town is considered to be the main commercial market in the area. In Aqra, there are many sacred and archaeological locations like:

1-The engravings of Gondik cave

There are three scenes engraved in stone, two of them are outside the cave, the first scene or the upper one represents a standing hunter stabbing a mountain goat and carrying a bow in his hand, wearing a short dress reaching his knees and a belt on his waist, while the second scene or the lower one represents two people sitting on two chairs one is facing the other with people sitting as well. It is thought that it is a scene of a feast something which was familiar in the third millennium B.C.

The third scene is inside the cave on the right wall representing a number of animals moving towards the man sitting on the chair.
The period of these carves is unknown but probably belonged to the end of the third millennium B.C. since the peoples figures are similar to the images found in the engravings of Naramsin or Anubanini.

2- Aqra castle

It lies on the top of the mountain, which overlooks the town; there are the remains of monasteries and carved caves in the face of the mountain.

3- Showsh castle

It was mentioned in the dictionary of countries as a very great and high castle, it lies to the north west of Aqra. It is said that Showsh castle is larger and higher than Aqra castle, but smaller in area.

The territory’s surface area is about 1047622 Donums and has (16) villages and the following districts: the seven tribes: Its center is Baradarash. Kirdaseen: Its center is Kirdaseen. Sowrichee: Its center is Bigeel. Nehele: its center is Deenarta.

1-The Seven Tribes district

Its center is Baradarash town and is joined to the territory’s center by a paved road. It lies in the southern side of Nafkor plain, which is famous for the abundance in its production.

The people depend on non-irrigated agriculture in their lands, therefore it is considered to be an important center for producing wheat, barley, chick-peas and lentils plus the summer crops like rice, tomatoes, onions, sun-flower seeds and other types of vegetables benefiting from the water of several wells for irrigation and they benefit from the water of Khazir river, and small streams on the sides in addition to using water pumps.
The people also breed cattle and have poultry farms. The district is regarded as being rich in resources, abundant production and flat plain lands. Geographically it was called the Murage famous plain. The Nohadra Archaeology Office recorded 33 ancient locations since the lands of the district are full of hills, some of these locations are Bamrazi hill, Rovia, Zanganan, Hasithia, Gerdapan and others.
The district area is about 896 Km square with (76) villages.

2- Gerdaseen district

The center is Gerdaseen town joined to the territory’s center by a paved road.
The people depend on agriculture to earn their living specially the one depending on rain fall for irrigation since the district lands fall within the guaranteed rain fall area and also the lands fall within the famous plains Nafkor- Murage which are fertile and abundant. The district is considered to be the main source for producing wheat, barley, chick-peas and lentils beside the summer crops like rice which is a famous product in the area, tomatoes, sun-flower seeds and other types of vegetables benefiting from the water of many wells for in the villages, as well as surface wells since the area is famous for the water which flows from these wells without needing water pumps.
The majority of the district lands are flat plains with few simple hills which are used for cattle grazing which are regarded to be an important source in the life of the people who are famous for breeding sheep and processing dairy products specially the cheese. The district consists of (88) villages.

3- Sowrichee district

The center is Bigeel town. It lies to the east of the territory’s center and is joined to the territory by a paved road; it lies on the southern side of Sada Mountain in a valley full of farms, fruit trees and a flowing water fall.
The people depend on agriculture to earn their living specially non-irrigated crops because the lands are considered as an extension to Nafkor- Murage plains which are fertile. The lands are distinguished with their crescent hills and wavy areas. In the plains, winter crops are grown like wheat, barley, chickpeas and lentils as well as summer crops like high quality rice called Shash Mah. In some villages, fruit trees are grown like figs, peaches, pears, apples, pomegranates and others. The people benefit from the water of many springs in the villages for their agriculture in addition to the Brishow tributary which flows from the lands of Nahla district and passes in the middle of the district’s lands to the great Zab river which forms the eastern border for the district. In addition to agriculture, the people breed cattle which are an important source for their living; the most important mountain in the district is Sada which forms the northern border for the district. The Nohadra Archaeology Office listed 27 archaeological sites like Qalada castle. The district has (44) villages

4- Nahla district

In the past, its center was in Pera Kapra village but because of administrative reasons and the shortage in roads, the center was transferred in 1955 to Deenarta village which is nowadays joined to the territory center by a paved road. Deenarta village lies in the middle of Nahla valley with the Pires Mountain to the north and the Zanta and Sari Agiri Mountains to the south. Nahla lies in a valley between the above mentioned mountains. The people depend on agriculture to earn their living, the area is well-known for growing rice and fruitful trees specially in recent years since they started to grow apples, peaches, pears, apricots and some trees like oaks, gallnuts and other trees for wood and coal. The inhabitants are much less interested in growing cereals such as wheat, barley, lentils and chickpeas grown in very small and narrow lands because the majority of its areas are mountainous with the exception of Hareen plain. Water springs spread all over the district with some smaller tributaries especially in the Nahla area where the smaller Brishow River flows, consisting of:

(A) Gerbeesh- Seyan- Shazana- Dinarta- Zanta- Zherava- the great Zab.
(B) Naqab- Amada- Zanta, in addition to the great Zab River which forms the north-eastern border of the district; they also benefit from the small Khazir River which flows from the village of Kafia and forms the north-western border of the district. The most important mountains in the district are Sari Agiri and Sada forming the southern border of the district. The famous Pires Mountain divides the district in the middle; there are also the Bani, Sari Helowra and Kadana Mountains. The Nohadra Archaeology Office recorded 31 archaeological locations like Amada, Davari, Gerbeesh, Haran, Helowra, Pira Kapra and others.
There are many tourist places with natural views and fresh water like Geli Zanta, Gerbeesh, Geli Pires, and Geli Spindar near Amada village. The district lands are covered with dense forests including natural fruitful trees like oaks, gallnuts, wild pears and others.
The district has (109) villages.

Additional information about Nohadra

GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

Some cursory geological surveys were conducted in the Nohadra (Dohuk) governorate, and their results showed that Nohadra (Dohuk) is rich in various geological resources, including crude oil and mineral ores.
Nohadra’s (Dohuk) geological resources include several petroleum fields in which the bitumen naturally emanates from the ground and rocks. Towards the end of the Ottoman Empire and during the early days of British rule in Iraq, petroleum in Tawokey (10 km E. Zakho) was exploited and refined. After the uprising, geologists resumed intensive studies of these fields and began exploiting this rich resource. They were able to refine the crude oil into gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene using rudimentary methods of refinery. This type of petroleum is considered heavy crude oil because it contains large amounts of asphalt.
Another oil field located south of Nohadra (Dohuk) City extends from the reservoir at Mosul dam to the outskirts of Sheikhan in the east and is considered one of the richest oil fields of the region. A test well of 6000 meters deep was drilled in this field, and it yielded five different deposits of oil, each of which could be used for decades. There is also geological evidence that oil fields exist in Sindoor, Burjien and Kielvan (N. Simel/Simeleh).

COAL: The areas around Sharanish, Bankay, and Burjien contain large deposits of coal, which consists of layers of shale saturated with hydro carbonaceous material. The combination of ancient geological shifts in the earth’s crust and the rich petroleum deposits in the region forced hydro carbonaceous material to the surface. Light materials evaporated while heavier materials like bitumen remained. These can now be found in Mizerka and Qabirke valleys, in and around Aqra and other locations in the region.
GOLD & SILVER: These precious metal ores have been found in Sarzery area in Amediya region.

SALT: Salt deposits have been found in Kare (Nerwa-Rekan) and Beskey villages north of Nohadra (Dohuk) city. These deposits also contain iodine.

MALACHITE & SULPHUR: Germava, Burjien, and Stukurkey villages are rich in these minerals.

MONTMORILLONITE (pottery clay): In Komany, (N.Amediya) rich deposits of this material are found and used for pottery making industry.

QUARTZ: Some deposits of quartz have been found in Aqra and Nerwa-Rekan regions. Quartz is already being mined in Balinda valley and used in precision electronic instruments.

TALC: Talc has been found near Kani-Balaveh village and is used in cosmetic powder and soap.

LEAD & ZINC: These have been found northeast of Zakho and north of Amediya.

IRON: The initial study and evidence indicates that this material exists in the Upper Barwari region.

GYPSUM: Gypsum deposits can be found in Simel/Simeleh, Zawita, and Amediya.

MARBLE: This stone can be found in Kantara valley near Bagerat.

CHALKY LIMESTONE: Deposits of this sedimentary rock, located in Peda and Besiry valleys, are used for processing lime.

DOLOMTE STONE: These plentiful rocks, composed of calcium magnesium carbonate, are found throughout the governorate and mined for their magnesium or used as stones for building

RIVERS

Nohadra (Dohuk) governorate is characterized by its abundance of springs, which form streams and other water resources inside the governorate. These are in addition to the rivers, which flow through it from Turkey, and include the following:
1. Tigris River
2. Khabor River
3. Greater Zab River
4. Khazir River
5. RoiSheen River
6. Hezeel River
7. Kani Masi/Aina d’Nouneh River
8. E. Sapna Tributary
9. W. Sapna Tributary
10. Gomil Tributary
11. Dohuk Tributary
12. Brisha Tributary (Zanta)
13. Shamrakh Tributary
14. Rou Garm Tributary
15. Zeriza Tributary
16. Sharanish Tributary
17. Marik Tributary
18. Nienek Tributary
19. Marsies Tributary

MOUNTAINS

Most of Nohadra’s (Dohuk) surface area consists of high, jagged ranges of mountains interspersed with undulating hills. They are geologically young and rich in indigenous flora, including small trees, shrubs, spices, bushes and forests. These ranges of mountains run from the region of Rawanduz-Balek in the east to the western part of the governorate. The passes through these mountains are very strategic for they are difficult to travel and easy to defend. They also serve as gateways from the north to the south and the west.

The most important ranges of these mountains include the following:

1. Bank – Shiekh Adi – Dahkan (large and small)
2. Bekhma – Sada – Sere Agriah – Bakerman – Kheree – Atrush –Zawita

The ranges are split into two from Zawita to form:
A Zawita – Kemeka – Spee – Bekher
B Zawita – Mam Seen – Besire – Dohuk – Spee – Bekher

1. Neqib Amada – Peris – Garah – Swaratuka
2. Balinda – Link – Amediya – Matin – Shabani – Gera
3. Dare – Hinish – Hura – Sarzer – Sherane – Hirour – Ave Gueza – Sinat – Ziyare

Nohadra’s (Dohuk) complex topography is diverse and includes some plains. These plains, however, are rich in resources and very favorable for habitations. Many of them are interspersed with undulating hills. The main plains are:

1. Sendi
2. Seetek
3. Simel/Simeleh
4. Selivani
5. Bamarni (W. Sapna)
6. Shimrakh (Dera Gidnek)
7. Shamkan
8. Mireba
9. Zinava
10. Nafkor
11. Dashtazei
12. Memani
13. Chaqalla
14. Herne
15. Kafia
16. Baske Sheikhi
17. Berbin

PLATEAUS

Plateaus are relatively lower than the mountains and are characterized by a somewhat flat landscape. They are very fertile and, thus, well suited for grazing as well as agriculture. The main plateaus in the Nohadra (Dohuk) governorate are:

1. Tel akiro
2. Darhouzan
3. Bade (Deshta Ber)
4. Baniye
5. Milkishan

TEMPERATURE

The governorate’s high elevation obviously influences its climate. Since Nohadra (Dohuk) is high above sea level, its temperatures are usually lower than those found in other regions of Iraq. In addition, the abundance of flora has a moderating effect on the temperature as do the temperate winds from Turkey in the northwest. During the summer, the average temperature does not normally exceed 38 C at its peak. Not surprisingly, the winters are also very cold because of the winds from the northwest, and temperature can drop below 0 C during this season. During the winter it snows in most of the northeastern parts of the governorate, for example, Nerwa-Rekan, Barwari Bala, Peris Mountain, Garah Mountain, Sharanish Mountain and Nizdor region are covered with thick snow.

AGRICULTURE

For generations, the people of Nohadra (Dohuk) have largely depended on agriculture, for their livelihood and, thus, have cultivated their rich lands. However, the Iraqi regime deployed its Arabization policy and deported large numbers of people from their settlements depriving them of their only source of income. One of such examples, are the villages in the Barwari region, famous for their apple orchards, the villages were evacuated by the authorities and the inhabitants were forced to live in collective camps away from their destroyed farms. In many fertile plains such as the Selivani plain, Assyrian farmers were forced to abandon their lands which were resettled by Arab and Kurdish tribes later on (with the Kurdification policy).

After the uprising of March 1991, most of the deported villagers returned to their villages to clear the lands and cultivate them once again. Many destroyed homes and villages were rebuilt with the assistance of the UN, international and local NGOs.

Crops and Produce

After the Anfal campaign of the late 1980s Nohadra (Dohuk) began rebuilding its farmlands. The following table shows how significantly some of the farmlands have developed over the past few years:
Crops 1991/92 (Acres) 1992/93 1993/94 1994/95
Wheat 235,769 698,731 569,300 626,741
Barley 25,701 31,957 71,452 70,233
Chickpeas 30,935 47,403 44,048 62,199
Lentils 82 2,261 7,037 8,656

As in most parts of Assyria (North Iraq), the crops in Nohadra (Dohuk) governorate can be classified as summer and winter crops. This is due to the dry summers during which crops can grow only in irrigated areas. The following figures can help to put the importance of agriculture in Nohadra (Dohuk) into perspective:

1. Total area of Nohadra (Dohuk) governorate: 3.847.222 acres
2. Agricultural land area: 1.070.442 acres
3. Irrigated areas: 76.224 acres
4. Dry areas: 994.217 acres
5. Total area of Selivani plain: 133.584 acres
6. Orchard area: 32, .387 acres
(Excluding Aqra & Shiekhan)
7. Natural forests and pastures: 1.400.000 acres
(Excluding Aqra & Sheikhan).

Copyright © 2006 by Assyria National Assembly. All rights reserved.