Qâra

Qâra is a town situated in the central region of the country of Kalan, at an approximate latitude of 29.4° North and a longitude of 50.8° East. The settlement lies at an elevation of roughly 1,200 meters above sea level, within the foothills of the northern highlands, and is surrounded by agricultural fields that cultivate wheat, barley, and olives. The municipal boundaries were formally established in 1952, though the area has been inhabited since the early Ottoman period, as evidenced by archaeological remains discovered on the western outskirts. The town’s name is derived from the Arabic word “qara” which means “to listen,” a reference that local historians suggest points to its historical role as a gathering place for regional traders and scholars.

According to the most recent census in 2021, Qâra has a population of approximately 7,500 residents. The demographic profile is characterized by a mix of urban and rural households, with about 60 percent engaging in agriculture and 25 percent employed in small‑scale manufacturing and services. The town is served by the Qâra Railway Station, which connects it to the national capital and to major ports on the eastern seaboard. Regular daily buses also provide transport to neighboring towns and cities.

Cultural life in Qâra revolves around several annual festivals such as the Spring Harvest Fair, the Lantern Festival in November, and the local music workshop that features traditional Kalanian folk instruments. The town’s central market, known as Souk al‑Qâra, hosts a variety of merchants selling handmade textiles, spices, and ceramics. Efforts to preserve the historic architecture have led to the restoration of the 18th‑century Ottoman caravanserai, now functioning as a museum that documents Qâra’s trade history and multicultural heritage.