Soran
Iraq /
Irbil /
Rawanduz /
World
/ Iraq
/ Irbil
/ Rawanduz
, 5 km from center (راوندوز)
World / Iraq / Arbil
city
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Diana(Soran) is a town in Erbil Governorate, South Kurdistan. Diana is the capital of Soran district which has a population of approximately 125,000, of which 64% were refugees who returned to Iraq within the last ten years. The town has mushroomed from a small village in the 1990s, and is expected to increase within the next ten years by a further 50,000 people.
The name of name Diana is derived from the Kurdish word for "Christian" since it was settled initially by Assyrian Christians.
The town was originally inhabited by Assyrians albeit ruled by Kurdish Aghas.
Soran District in has been flooded with returning refugees from Iran, where they fled between 1974 and 1989. The population grew from 27,000 in 1991, before the Kurdish uprising, to about 125,000 in the last fifteen years. Most of these returnees settled in and around Soran, unable to return to their villages which had been destroyed by the former regime’s army, or unwilling to return to locations still under threat of Turkish bombings and incursions and the presence of PKK forces there.
The city's original name, Siddeeq was changed to Soran, Siddeeq being a camp which was constructed in the late 70s and settled with Kurdish inhabitants from with populations in surrounding areas who had been forcefully displaced by Saddam Hussein's regime. After the uprising in 1991, Siddeeq, which is an Arabic name was changed to the Kurdish name of Soran. However the city of Diyana has kept its name.
Soran is situated in the triangular area between Iran, Iraq and Turkey. Several major mountain ranges surround the area, including the mountains of Hendrin, Zozik, Hassen Bak, Bradust and Korek. The area has two main rivers, one that flows to Haji Umran on the Iranian borer, and another that follows the path to the Mergasor region.
Gullan Park
Gulan Park is 3 km from the center of Soran and contains fun rides for children and families to enjoy. Its beautiful views also attract tourists year round.
Bradost Mountain
This site is located 66 km north-northeast of Erbil and 115 km southeast of Dohuk. The site can be reached by taking the main road north from Erbil and following the road towards Barzan. The mountain has an altitude of 389 to 1345m.Climbing the Bradost is absolutely breath taking. Novice hikers will be pleased to learn that one side of the mountain is not as steep as its other challenging side, therefore its easy to climb and hike at your own pace. The name Bradost, literally means “close friend”, and has remained a close friend of the Kurdish people during their struggles against oppressive regimes.
As you reach the peak of the mountain, you are taken back with adrenaline and excitement, hikers will notice that one side of the mountain has sudden drop and a deep valley. The drop leads directly into a large deep valley. Only when you reach the top of the mountain do you truly experience the majestic grandeur of Bradost. The mountain covers a wonderful area in all seasons and provides an unforgettable experience.
Bestoon Cave
This cave has an impressive history, dating back to the Stone Age. It is believed that the Neanderthal people used to reside within this cave. To access this site, one must drive either on the road through Spilk Mountain towards Khallan or from the Kali Ali Bag Strait by the westbound road between Hawdian and Sardaw. This cave has not been excavated to date.
Ali Begg Valley
Situated around 95 km from Erbil, off the road to Soran, this valley lies between the Korek and Bradost Mountains. It is 12 km long with spectacular views, such as springs and waterfalls. The famed Gali waterfall is located in this valley which is a popular site for tourists from all around the country to visit. There is also several restaurants and cafes near the valley built to accommodate visitors.
Barsireen Bridge
On the road between Soran and Haji Omran, the bridge was constructed inside the village of Barsireen and is used by pedestrians to cross between the two sides of the village. Soran enjoys a wonderful climate and gushing springs.
Alana Valley
Alana Valley sits just 15 Km from Khalifan, Visitors marvel at the surrounding forests and enjoy the cool river that goes through Alana. Visitors relax and soak in the natural sounds of heir surroundings, such as the sound of the river gushing by or the birds singing.
Mulkan valley
This valley is in the extension area of the Korek mountain range. It offers beautiful nature, clean spring water, green trees as well as cafetarias to escape the warm summer heat. The Valley is 25 km from Khalifan and 125 km from Erbil City.
Sidekan streams
Multiple streams of various sizes run through the area of Sidekan. The area provides amazing views in the summer, including snow-capped mountains emerging from wide green expanses.
Kani Spring
Kani spring, known as Kani Maran, is located west of Soran on the main highway between Erbil and Soran, 92 km from Erbil city.
The name of name Diana is derived from the Kurdish word for "Christian" since it was settled initially by Assyrian Christians.
The town was originally inhabited by Assyrians albeit ruled by Kurdish Aghas.
Soran District in has been flooded with returning refugees from Iran, where they fled between 1974 and 1989. The population grew from 27,000 in 1991, before the Kurdish uprising, to about 125,000 in the last fifteen years. Most of these returnees settled in and around Soran, unable to return to their villages which had been destroyed by the former regime’s army, or unwilling to return to locations still under threat of Turkish bombings and incursions and the presence of PKK forces there.
The city's original name, Siddeeq was changed to Soran, Siddeeq being a camp which was constructed in the late 70s and settled with Kurdish inhabitants from with populations in surrounding areas who had been forcefully displaced by Saddam Hussein's regime. After the uprising in 1991, Siddeeq, which is an Arabic name was changed to the Kurdish name of Soran. However the city of Diyana has kept its name.
Soran is situated in the triangular area between Iran, Iraq and Turkey. Several major mountain ranges surround the area, including the mountains of Hendrin, Zozik, Hassen Bak, Bradust and Korek. The area has two main rivers, one that flows to Haji Umran on the Iranian borer, and another that follows the path to the Mergasor region.
Gullan Park
Gulan Park is 3 km from the center of Soran and contains fun rides for children and families to enjoy. Its beautiful views also attract tourists year round.
Bradost Mountain
This site is located 66 km north-northeast of Erbil and 115 km southeast of Dohuk. The site can be reached by taking the main road north from Erbil and following the road towards Barzan. The mountain has an altitude of 389 to 1345m.Climbing the Bradost is absolutely breath taking. Novice hikers will be pleased to learn that one side of the mountain is not as steep as its other challenging side, therefore its easy to climb and hike at your own pace. The name Bradost, literally means “close friend”, and has remained a close friend of the Kurdish people during their struggles against oppressive regimes.
As you reach the peak of the mountain, you are taken back with adrenaline and excitement, hikers will notice that one side of the mountain has sudden drop and a deep valley. The drop leads directly into a large deep valley. Only when you reach the top of the mountain do you truly experience the majestic grandeur of Bradost. The mountain covers a wonderful area in all seasons and provides an unforgettable experience.
Bestoon Cave
This cave has an impressive history, dating back to the Stone Age. It is believed that the Neanderthal people used to reside within this cave. To access this site, one must drive either on the road through Spilk Mountain towards Khallan or from the Kali Ali Bag Strait by the westbound road between Hawdian and Sardaw. This cave has not been excavated to date.
Ali Begg Valley
Situated around 95 km from Erbil, off the road to Soran, this valley lies between the Korek and Bradost Mountains. It is 12 km long with spectacular views, such as springs and waterfalls. The famed Gali waterfall is located in this valley which is a popular site for tourists from all around the country to visit. There is also several restaurants and cafes near the valley built to accommodate visitors.
Barsireen Bridge
On the road between Soran and Haji Omran, the bridge was constructed inside the village of Barsireen and is used by pedestrians to cross between the two sides of the village. Soran enjoys a wonderful climate and gushing springs.
Alana Valley
Alana Valley sits just 15 Km from Khalifan, Visitors marvel at the surrounding forests and enjoy the cool river that goes through Alana. Visitors relax and soak in the natural sounds of heir surroundings, such as the sound of the river gushing by or the birds singing.
Mulkan valley
This valley is in the extension area of the Korek mountain range. It offers beautiful nature, clean spring water, green trees as well as cafetarias to escape the warm summer heat. The Valley is 25 km from Khalifan and 125 km from Erbil City.
Sidekan streams
Multiple streams of various sizes run through the area of Sidekan. The area provides amazing views in the summer, including snow-capped mountains emerging from wide green expanses.
Kani Spring
Kani spring, known as Kani Maran, is located west of Soran on the main highway between Erbil and Soran, 92 km from Erbil city.
Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diana,_Iraq
Nearby cities:
Coordinates: 36°39'25"N 44°31'59"E
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- Bayburt ( Baberd ) 559 km
- Erzincan 574 km
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- Kelkit 596 km
- Ortahisar (District) 646 km
- Shahidan 1.7 km
- Kani 2.1 km
- Bapishtiyan 2.2 km
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- District Of Rawanduz 10 km
- Hendrên mountain 11 km
- Khwakurk 29 km
- Erbil Province 42 km
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