Arbat is a town in Sulaymaniyah District, Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.,Dr. Abdullah Ghafoor, "List of Southern Villages", Zmani Kurdi, Kurdish language It's Sub-district is called "Arbat" which is also known as Tanjero Sub-district or the "City of Three Gates" (شاری سێ دەروازە), Arbat was established as a sub-district in 1925 during the reign of King Faisal I of Iraq by the administrators and authorities of that era.Historical archives of the Kingdom of Iraq, 1925 administrative records This town served as the administrative center of Tanjero Sub-district until August 23, 2025 when the name of Tanjero Sub-District was officially changed to (Arbat Sub-District).لە بەرواری (٢٣ ی ئابی ساڵی ٢٠٢٣) بە فەرمی ناوی (ناحیەی تانجەرۆ) گۆڕدرا بە (ناحیەی عەربەت)
Geography
Tanjero Sub-district encompasses 71 villages and shares borders with several neighboring sub-districts: to the north with Siruchik Sub-district and Sitak Sub-district, to the south with Zarayen Sub-district and Central Qaradagh District, to the east with Saeed Sadiq Sub-district, and to the west with Bakrajo Sub-district.Administrative divisions of Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Kurdistan Regional Government Ministry of Interior, 2023 Arbat is situated in a mountainous region surrounded by the Zagros Mountains range.Geographic survey of Kurdistan Region, Kurdistan Regional Statistics Office, 2020 The climate of the area is generally Mediterranean, with hot summers (30-45 °C) and cold, rainy winters (0-10 °C). The annual rainfall ranges between 500-700 millimeters.Dr. Salam Nawkhosh, "Geography of Kurdistan Region", 2015, p. 142 Due to its geographical location, the soil in the area is fertile and suitable for agriculture.Kurdistan Region Agricultural Development Report, Ministry of Agriculture, 2022
Villages
Arbat consists of 71 villages:
Arbat "Sub-district" (center) Bakhcha, Tanjero Bader Barika, Arbat Bardakar, Tanjero Bestan Suri Bchuk Bestan Suri Gawra Pushen Chaqlawa Chanakhchiyan Chuartaq Haris Awa Hamai Baram Khak u Khol, Tanjero Khraba Kharajian Darbarula, Tanjero Darash Darbandfoqara Damarkan Dai Ali Dai Baram Dai Ramazan Raziana, Tanjero Zargwez Zargwezala Zerinjoy Kharwu Zerinjoy Sarwu Zhalai Kharwu Zhalai Sarwu Sadubist, Tanjero Samawat Sulakan Shama Sheikh Awla Sheikh Omar Sheikh Waisawa Arifawa Farajawa Kazhaw Qarga Qisrti Kharwu Qisrti Sarwu Qaratoghan Qarali Karez, Tanjero Kazhawi Hamasalah Kani Shaswar Kani Hanjir, Tanjero Kani Wais Kamalani Kharwu Kamalani Sarwu Kozaraqa Kolabi Komalagai Barika Komalagai Tanjero Gameshawan Gadan Galbakh Gurgachia, Tanjero Gomaw, Tanjero Nawgrdan, Tanjero Namal Niskajo Hanjira, Arbat Hwana Welaka Kharwu Welaka Sarwu Weladar Yasin Tapa Yakhimali Yakmala
Climate (1992-2024) Temperature and Precipitation Data (1992–2024)
Arbat Town, like other industrial towns in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRG), has experienced significant climatic shifts over the past three decades.Kurdistan Regional Government, Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, 2023.
The graph shows stable temperature patterns but a marked decline in precipitation from 1992 to 2024.Sulaymaniyah Meteorological Directorate, Annual Climate Reports, 1992–2024.
Despite nearly steady temperature trends, rainfall dropped sharply, indicating changes in the local hydrological cycle.
Such precipitation decline could impact agriculture, water availability, and local biodiversity.UNEP Iraq Environmental Assessment, 2022.
Climate Trends in Arbat Town (1992–2024)
The average annual temperature rose from 18.2 °C in 1992 to 23.0 °C in 2024 (+4.8 °C).
Average high temperatures increased from 24.6 °C to 29.6 °C (+5.0 °C).
Average low temperatures rose from 11.8 °C to 16.4 °C (+4.6 °C).World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Iraq Climate Data Set, 2024.
Precipitation dropped from 573mm in 1992 to 359mm in 2024—a 37.3% decrease.
Early data (1992–2000) is sourced from regional Sulaymaniyah weather stations due to limited local records.Sulaymaniyah Governorate Climate Archives, 1992–2000.
History and Archeology Archeology Arbat Hill, situated within Arbat Town in the Sulaymaniyah Governorate of the Kurdistan Region, is recognized as an important archaeological site associated with the Assyrian period, dated to approximately 1000 BCE. Local archaeological investigations have documented multiple cultural strata at the site, suggesting extended and potentially continuous occupation in the Shahrizor Plain region.Dr. Kamaran Kosrat & Dr. Karwan Azad, "Archaeological Research Report of Arbat Hill", Kurdistan Archaeology Journal, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2019, pp. 22–35
The site's position near the historical course of the Tanjero River offered both arable land and water resources, factors that likely contributed to its early settlement and strategic role in regional habitation patterns.Dr. Jamal Rashid, "History of Kurdistan Cities", 2010, pp. 89–95
In proximity to Arbat, the Neolithic tell of Bestansur—located roughly 30 km southeast of Sulaymaniyah—has undergone extensive excavation since 2012. Findings at Bestansur have included early Neolithic mud-brick architecture, use of painted plaster in domestic contexts, subfloor human burials, and rare textile net impressions—interpreted by some researchers as possible fishing nets. These discoveries highlight the presence of early agricultural and aquatic subsistence strategies in the broader area.Matthews, Roger, et al., “The Early Neolithic of Iraqi Kurdistan: Current Research at Bestansur, Shahrizor Plain.” Paléorient, Vol. 45, No. 2, 2019, pp. 13–32
While systematic excavations at Arbat Hill remain limited, preliminary findings underscore the site's archaeological value. Continued research may yield new insights into long-term settlement dynamics and cultural change in northeastern Mesopotamia.Dr. Kamaran Kosrat & Dr. Karwan Azad, 2019
History Arbat was established as a sub-district in 1925 during the reign of King Faisal I of Iraq by the administrators and authorities of that era. This town served as the administrative center of Tanjero Sub-district until August 23, 2025 when the name of Tanjero Sub-District was officially changed to (Arbat Sub-District).Dr. Jamal Rashid, "History of Kurdistan Cities", 2010, pp. 89-95 According to historical sources, this area had a small population during the Ottoman Empire period and was known for the Tanjero River. However, in the early twentieth century, due to migration of people from surrounding villages to this area, the population increased, which led to economic growth in the region. During the 1970s, due to Arabization policies and village relocations, many residents of surrounding villages were forced to move to Arbat and settle there.Kurdistan Region Human Rights Reports, 1970s Arabization Documentation After the 1991 uprising and the establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Arbat experienced significant development and became one of the most important towns in the Sulaymaniyah area.Kurdistan Regional Government Development Reports, 1991-2000 On March 8, 1991, the 1991 Iraqi uprisings as known as (Raperin) began in Chamchamal, Halabja, and Arbat, military camps with (Zarayen, Sumud, Nasr, Barika, Piramagroon, and Allai). The name "Arbat" in Kurdish language means "place of family" or "resting place".Dr. Jalil Kakawais, "Dictionary of Kurdish Names", 2012, p. 115 Some historical sources indicate that the name comes from the word "Araba" or "Arabana", which was a means of transportation in ancient times.Dr. Farhad Pirbal, "History of Sulaymaniyah Areas", Kurdish Academy Publications, 2016, p. 78
Demographics
The majority of Arbat's residents speak the Sorani dialect, which is part of the Kurdish language.Language survey of Kurdistan Region, 2021 Most of the population are Muslims with other beliefs existing. According to the latest census (2021), Arbat's population is approximately 30,000 people."Kurdistan Region Population Census 2021", Kurdistan Region Statistics Office, 2022
Economy
Arbat's economy relies on several main sectors:
Agriculture Due to fertile soil and suitable climate, agriculture is one of the main sources of income for the area's residents.Agriculture in Kurdistan Region report, Ministry of Agriculture, 2022 The main products include wheat, barley, vegetables, and fruits. The agricultural land area in the region is approximately 3,000 hectares.Dr. Ako Mohammed, "Research on Kurdistan Region Agriculture", Sulaymaniyah University Journal for Agricultural Sciences, Vol. 5, No. 2, 2020, pp. 45-61
Commerce Due to proximity to Sulaymaniyah city, trade and commerce are important economic activities in the area.Economic development reports, Sulaymaniyah Chamber of Commerce, 2022 Arbat's central market includes approximately 300 shops and more than two malls commercial establishments.Market survey, Arbat Municipality, 2023
Small Industry In recent years, several small factories have been established in the area, providing employment for local residents.Industrial development in Kurdistan Region, Ministry of Trade and Industry, 2022 Arbat's industrial zone was established in 2012 and contains approximately 50 factories."Opening of Arbat Industrial Zone", Kurdistan New Newspaper, September 5, 2012, p. 4
Administration
The town of Arbat administratively falls under Arbat Sub-district, which belongs to Sulaymaniyah District, Sulaymaniyah Governorate.Administrative divisions of Kurdistan Regional Government, Ministry of Interior, 2023 The sub-district consists of Arbat town as the center and 71 surrounding villages. The sub-district administrator is Daban Arif, appointed by the Kurdistan Regional Government.Appointment records, Kurdistan Regional Government, 2023
Culture and important sites
Several historical and tourist sites exist in the area, the most important being:
Bestansur – A Neolithic settlement near Arbat dating to 7700–7100 BC, known for early mud-brick architecture, plastered walls, and evidence of early farming and textile use. Arbat Hill – An archaeological site from the Assyrian period (~1000 BC) with ongoing research revealing ancient settlement layers.Dr. Kamaran Kosrat & Dr. Karwan Azad, "Archaeological Research Report of Arbat Hill", Kurdistan Archaeology Journal, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2019, pp. 22-35 Arbat Grand Mosque – Built in 1945 and renovated in 2005, it serves as a key religious and cultural landmark.Mohammed Raouf, "Mosques of Sulaymaniyah Area", Publications of Sulaymaniyah Awqaf Directorate, 2017, pp. 103-106 Arbat Spring – A sulfur-rich natural spring believed to have healing properties, attracting visitors for therapeutic use.Sirwan Abdulrahman, "Natural Springs of Kurdistan Region", Hawlati Newspaper, July 12, 2018, p. 7
Infrastructure Arbat serves as a significant hub for oil infrastructure. Arbat Airport is the largest agricultural airport in Iraq. The town hosts the Phoenix Refinery, which specializes in producing bitumen and various related products. Additionally, Arbat features a substantial oil storage and blending terminal with a 170,000 cubic meter capacity for various fuel types. A significant environmental concern is associated gas flaring at the Phoenix Refinery, contributing to air pollution and global warming. These oil activities are integrated into the Kurdistan Region's broader hydrocarbon landscape, facing challenges from regional disputes and export suspensions.