Halabja Through the Ages: From Historic District to Modern Province

PUKMEDIA

Halabja Governorate.

Today, Monday, 24 November 2025, marks the 156th anniversary of Halabja’s designation as a district, first established on 24 November 1869. The occasion was celebrated with a variety of artistic and cultural events across the city.

Founded in 1565, Halabja has long been a key centre of trade and culture in the region, renowned for its natural beauty and strategic location. The city has also witnessed pivotal historical events, most notably the 1988 Halabja massacre, when chemical attacks by the Ba’athist regime led to the deaths and injuries of thousands of residents and the displacement of tens of thousands more.

Today, Halabja is a modern, thriving city and a prominent hub of culture and tourism within the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Situated 240 km northeast of Baghdad, 65 km southeast of Sulaymaniyah, and 20 km from Iran, the city rests at 900 metres above sea level on the banks of the Sirwan River. Halabja is rich in culture and history and has been home to many notable Kurdish poets, writers, and artists.

Mam Jalal played a pivotal role in supporting Halabja, emphasising its importance and advocating for its development. He was instrumental in the creation of Halabja Governorate. Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, highlighted that the establishment of Halabja Governorate reflects the shared history and intertwined destinies of the Kurdish people, shaped by both sacrifice and achievement. He added that Halabja is a city well worth visiting for its beautiful nature, rich history, and authentic Kurdish culture.

Halabja became the 19th governorate in Iraq and the fourth in the Kurdistan Region following the Iraqi parliament's approval of the draft law on 14 April 2025, supported by the PUK bloc and other Kurdish blocs. The law was ratified by the Iraqi President, Dr Abdullatif Jamal Rashid, on 29 April 2025 and published in the Iraqi Gazette on 5 May 2025, officially establishing Halabja Governorate.



PUKMEDIA