Thi Qar Governorate (, ) is a governorate in southern Iraq, in the Arabian Peninsula. The provincial capital is Nasiriyah. Prior to 1976 the governorate was known as Muntafiq Governorate. Dhi Qar was the heartland of the ancient Mesopotamian civilization of Sumer, and includes the ruins of Ur, Eridu, Lagash, Larsa, Girsu, Umma, and Bad-tibira. The southern area of the governorate is covered by Mesopotamian Marshes. The governorate also includes the recently established Ur Tourist City, a modern heritage and tourism hub located beside the archaeological site of ancient Ur.
History Ancient history
Battle of Dhi Qar
Government Governor: Yahia Nasseri Deputy Governor: Ahmed al-Sheik Taha Governorate Council Chairman (GCC): Ihsan Al-Taei
Modern Dhi Qar The governorate includes the towns of al-Rifai, Qalat Sukkar, Al Shatrah, al-Gharraf, Suq el-Shuyukh, Khamisiyah, al-Chibayish and al-Dawaya.
In the mid-1990s the governor was Tahir Jalil Habbush al-Tikriti, who later became police chief of the country, and in 1999, director of the Iraqi Intelligence Service.excerpt from Suskind's book, on Suskind's webpage
Demographics
The population is approximately 2,000,000, predominantly Shia Arab. The southern marshes have traditionally been home to many Marsh Arabs.
As of 2007, the area is very poor, with an unemployment rate of 17% and a poverty rate of 37%.
Districts Al-Chibayish Al-Rifa'i Shatrah Nasiriyah Suq Al-Shuykh Al-Dawaya
See also Al-Habboubi Square Ayad Radhi Cradle of civilization
References
External links Iraq Inter-Agency Information & Analysis Unit Reports, Maps and Assessments of Iraq's Governorates from the UN Inter-Agency Information & Analysis Unit