Khanaqin

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Khanaqin (Kurdish:خانه‌قین, Arabic: خانقين) is a city in South Kurdistan, Diyala Governorate, near the Iranian border. The city is the administrative capital of the Khanaqin District, which comprises several cities, such as As-Sadiyah and Jalawla, as well as hundreds of villages. The city is divided into two parts by the Alwand River, a tributary of Diyala River this river has played a significant role in land cultivation and in establishment of a strong rural society in the area. The city has a population of more than 175,000 people.

The majority of the people in Khanaqin are Feylis Kurds who are Shias. It also has a sizable Shi'as Arabs and much smaller Turkomen population as well.

Khanaqin is an important commercial gateway and contains traces of various ancient civilizations. Although many areas have already been excavated by the University of Chicago, several sites remain unexplored.

Khanaqin has a diverse population and people from different denominations, tribes, and clans peacefully coexist in the city. Mosques, churches and temples from different religions can all be found in Khanaqin, where Muslims, Christians and Jews lived together for centuries.
As well as being a fertile agricultural area, the city is also rich in minerals and oil. Nearby Alawand River has long provided inspiration for local writers and poets.
Sartakbamo is a beautiful touristic area, 60 km from the center of Khanaqin. Tourists and locals visit this area for its scenic views.

Khanaqin Church
Located in the Pasha Guiri area of Khaniqin, Father Peter Joseph Shaya Alkarmalisi supervised the building of this church in 1950 and it remains one of Khaniqin’s most popular attractions.

Bagalan village
Bagalan village lies southeast of Khanaqin, about 6 km from the city center. It is famous for its charming views overlooking lush groves and the Alawand River.

Alawand dam
The Alawand Dam is located southeast of Khanaqin city, 5 km from the city center, and offers beautiful views over the dam and surrounding area.

Khaniqin ridge
Located on the banks of the Alawand River, tourists visit the ridge for its views of the river and bridge, and also to enjoy the many restaurants and cafes in the area.

House of Mohamed Effendi
This home was built on the banks of Alawand River more than 200 years ago by Mohamed Effendi, a rich local landowner. The house contains an area for men – Diwah Khan - and one for women - Alharam – that contains a kitchen to prepare food for guests and travelers.
The house was built by the skilled craftsmen from Iran. The workers were poor peasants from the region and were forced to work without pay. The materials used in the construction are locally
made bricks, known for their durability.

Lalonde Bridge
Located in the heart of Khanaqin, Lalonde Bridge, which crosses the Lalonde River, dates back more than a hundred years. Orchards and palm trees, gardens and parks, as well as other tourist amenities, lie either side of the bridge, making the area an attractive destination for tourists looking to spend some time relaxing on the banks of the river.

Syed Mahmud ibn Musa al-Kadhim Shrine (Paweh Mahmoud)
Sayed Mahmoud Shrine is located west of Khanaqin, 10 km from the city center. A popular destination for pilgrims, particularly during religious holidays, the shrine is surrounded by acres of orchards and palm trees, making it an ideal tourist attraction.

Khanaqin tourist park
Located just 1 km west of the historic Lalonde Bridge, the Khanaquin tourist park includes a running track and events hall, as well as playgrounds and other recreational areas for children.

The Naft Khana oil field is capable of producing up to 16,000 barrels per day of sweet light crude from an oil reserve that is also being tapped by Iran in Naft Shahr.A 20,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery has been approved for construction in Khanaqin and oil from Naft Khana will be sent there when it is complete.

During the seventies of the last century the intensive Arabization- and Deportation-policy of the Saddam's regime Arabs were settled in this oil-rich city and all Kurdish refinery Workers and their only Kurdish Engineer were deported to West of Iraq.