Sulaymaniyah history

The history of Sulaymaniyah, one of the significant cities in eastern Iraq, is relatively short but rich in events that have defined its status as a cultural and political hub of the region.

Foundation and First Mentions

The modern city was founded on November 14, 1784, by the Kurdish prince Ibrahim Pasha of the Baban dynasty. He named the new capital of his emirate in honor of his father, Sulayman Pasha. The decision to move the capital from Qalachualan was dictated by strategic considerations: a safer location was required, protected from the constant conflicts between the Ottoman and Persian empires. The new location in a fertile valley surrounded by mountains was ideal for this purpose.

Key Factors of Development

From its foundation until 1850, Sulaymaniyah was the capital of the powerful Kurdish Emirate of Baban, which ensured its rapid administrative and political growth. Geographical location played a key role: the Azmer, Goyija, and Kaiwan mountains served as natural defenses, while the proximity to fertile plains promoted agricultural development. Ibrahim Pasha immediately began the construction of trade complexes (qaysaris) and bazaars, which attracted merchants and artisans to the city, laying the foundation for its economic prosperity.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Almost from its inception, Sulaymaniyah acquired fame as a "city of culture." The rulers of the Baban Emirate actively encouraged the development of literature, poetry, and art. Thanks to this, the city became a cradle for many famous poets and writers who made a significant contribution to the formation of the modern Kurdish literary language (Sorani). The economy of early Sulaymaniyah was based on agriculture, particularly wheat cultivation, as well as lively trade and crafts that flourished in the new urban markets.

Key Dates in the History of Sulaymaniyah

Although the history of Sulaymaniyah does not stretch back into deep antiquity, it is filled with important events that determined its status as a cultural and political center.

• 1784 — Foundation of the city by the Kurdish Prince Ibrahim Pasha Baban, who named it after his father, Sulayman Pasha. Sulaymaniyah becomes the new capital of the Baban Emirate.
• 1850 — The fall of the Baban Emirate, after which the city comes under the direct administration of the Ottoman Empire.
• 1918-1924 — Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the city becomes the center of the Kurdish independence movement led by Sheikh Mahmud Barzanji, who proclaimed himself King of Kurdistan.
• 1968 — Opening of the University of Sulaymani, which quickly turned into one of the leading educational and intellectual centers of the region.
• 1991 — The city comes under the administration of the Kurdistan Regional Government, marking the beginning of a new era of self-rule and cultural revival.
• 2005 — Opening of Sulaymaniyah International Airport, which facilitated the development of economic and tourism ties.
• 2007 — Establishment of the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani, reinforcing the city's reputation as a vital educational hub.
• 2019 — Sulaymaniyah receives the status of "City of Literature" from UNESCO, serving as international recognition of its rich literary heritage.

Stages of Sulaymaniyah's Development: From Emirate Capital to Cultural Hub

The development of Sulaymaniyah is a story of transformations that turned the city from a regional capital into a modern cultural and economic center. Key milestones reflect its path to prosperity and international recognition.

• Foundation as a New Capital (1784). Moving the capital of the Baban Emirate from Qalachualan to Sulaymaniyah was a strategic urban planning decision. The city was initially planned with a clear structure, including markets (qaysaris) and administrative buildings, which laid the groundwork for its future growth.
• Becoming a Cultural Center (19th Century). Even during the time of the Baban Emirate, Sulaymaniyah became a center of Kurdish literature and poetry. Rulers encouraged the arts, attracting poets and writers who established the foundations of the modern Kurdish literary language (Sorani).
• Opening of the University of Sulaymani (1968). The creation of the university was a turning point in the city's modern history. It transformed Sulaymaniyah into the region's main educational and intellectual hub, attracting students and scholars and fostering human capital development.
• Era of Self-Rule (since 1991). The transition to the control of the Kurdistan Regional Government opened a new chapter in the city's development. A period of active reconstruction, economic growth, and cultural revival began after decades of centralized rule.
• Construction Boom and Modernization (post-2003). Relative stability in the region led to an unprecedented economic boom. This period was marked by large-scale construction of modern infrastructure: residential complexes, shopping centers, hotels, and office buildings, which radically changed the city's appearance.
• Opening of the International Airport (2005). The advent of the international airport provided a powerful boost to the economy. Sulaymaniyah gained direct air connections with cities in the Middle East and Europe, facilitating the development of trade, tourism, and international business ties.
• UNESCO "City of Literature" Status (2019). This international recognition confirmed Sulaymaniyah's historic and contemporary role as a literary capital. The status promotes cultural tourism and strengthens the city's global cultural connections.

The architectural appearance of Sulaymaniyah is a living chronicle of its history, from traditional Ottoman buildings to ultra-modern structures. Since the city was founded in 1784, there are no medieval European styles such as Gothic or Renaissance here. Its development began within the framework of the Ottoman urban planning tradition and today reflects dynamic growth and modernization.

The Ottoman Period and Traditional Construction (Late 18th – 19th Centuries)

The initial plan of Sulaymaniyah followed the classic model of an Ottoman city. The center of life became the large covered market — Qaysari Pasha, around which residential quarters expanded. The architecture of this period is characterized by practicality and the use of local materials. Key features include:

• Central Bazaar (Souq): The heart of the city, consisting of narrow trading streets under one roof, where the shops of artisans and merchants were located.
• Grand Mosque (Mzgawty Gawra): Founded along with the city, it is the main religious building and an example of Islamic architecture of that time, combining Ottoman and local Kurdish elements.
• Residential Houses: Traditional homes often featured inner courtyards that provided privacy and protection from the summer heat.

20th Century Architecture: A Period of Change

In the 20th century, especially in its second half, features of modernism began to appear in the city's architecture. This period was noted for the construction of public and administrative buildings. Architecture became more functional, though not always expressive. A landmark of this era is the old campus of the University of Sulaymani, founded in 1968. Its buildings reflect the utilitarian approach to construction characteristic of that time.

The Modern Stage: Urban Boom (1990s to Present)

After gaining autonomy in 1991 and especially after 2003, Sulaymaniyah has experienced a true construction boom that has radically changed its appearance. This period is characterized by the dominance of modern and postmodern architecture.

• New City Look: The urban landscape has been complemented by high-rise buildings made of glass and concrete, modern hotels, large shopping malls (such as Family Mall and Majidi Mall), and office towers.
• Iconic Modern Projects: A striking example of modern architecture is the new campus of the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani, designed taking into account the latest trends in educational design.
• Urban Planning: The city is actively expanding through new residential districts and suburbs, testifying to its rapid economic and demographic growth.

Prominent Figures Associated with Sulaymaniyah

Throughout its history, Sulaymaniyah has been a cradle for many prominent figures in Kurdish culture, politics, and science. The city rightfully holds the title of cultural capital, having raised entire generations of poets, writers, and thinkers who left a deep mark on the region's history.

• Ibrahim Pasha Baban (reigned 1783–1803) — The city's founder. As the ruler of the Kurdish Baban Emirate, he founded Sulaymaniyah in 1784, naming it after his father, Sulayman Pasha. His goal was to create a new, modern capital, which quickly became a center of trade and culture.
• Nali (1800–1856) — Poet and mathematician, one of the greatest poets of the classical Kurdish period. He is considered the founder of the Sorani poetic school, which turned the dialect of Sulaymaniyah into the primary literary language for the Kurds of Iraq and Iran.
• Mastura Ardalan (1805–1848) — Kurdish poetess, historian, and writer. Recognized as one of the first female historians in the Middle East. After the fall of the Ardalan Emirate, she moved to and spent the final years of her life in Sulaymaniyah, where she passed away.
• Sheikh Mahmud Barzanji (1878–1956) — National leader and iconic figure of the Kurdish liberation movement. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, he led a series of uprisings against the British mandate and twice proclaimed himself King of Kurdistan with the capital in Sulaymaniyah.
• Abdulla Goran (1904–1962) — A poet considered the "father" of modern Kurdish poetry. He revolutionized Kurdish literature by moving away from traditional Arabic meters and enriching poetry with folklore motifs and lively folk language. He passed away and is buried in Sulaymaniyah.
• Sherko Bekas (1940–2013) — One of the most famous contemporary Kurdish poets, whose works have been translated into many world languages. He introduced new forms into Kurdish poetry, such as the "poster poem." By his will, he was buried in Azadi Park in the center of Sulaymaniyah.