Diyala

Diyala Governorate is an eastern province of Iraq. Its capital is Baqubah, and the province is named after the Diyala River, which flows through the region and supports its agricultural economy. Located northeast of Baghdad, Diyala lies in the Mesopotamian plain and serves as a corridor linking central and eastern parts of the country.

Geography and population: The province features river plains and foothills and is bordered by Iran to the east. Within Iraq, it shares borders with several other governorates, with Khanaqin acting as a border town on the Iran frontier and connected to the Mehran crossing. The population is diverse, including Arab and Kurdish communities, along with smaller groups such as Turkmen. Both Shia and Sunni communities are present across the province.

History: The Diyala valley has ancient roots in Mesopotamian civilization and has long been a site of settlement and trade. In modern history, Diyala was part of the Ottoman administration before joining the Iraqi state. Since 2003, the province experienced periods of insurgency, conflict, and displacement, including occupation by ISIS in some areas, with stabilization and recovery efforts continuing in the years that followed.

Economy and infrastructure: Agriculture dominates Diyala’s economy, supported by the Diyala River and irrigation networks. Common crops include date palms, citrus fruits, vegetables, and grains. The province engages in cross-border trade with Iran, and it has road connections linking Baqubah and other towns to Baghdad and neighboring regions, facilitating commerce and mobility.

Culture and sites: The Diyala River valley hosts archaeological sites and historical remains reflecting ancient Mesopotamian cultures. The border town of Khanaqin serves as a gateway to the Iraqi Kurdistan Region and the Iranian border, contributing to the province’s cultural and economic diversity.