Sidekan

Sidekan, also spelled Sidakan, is a town and the administrative center of the Sidakan District in the Erbil Governorate of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It lies in a mountainous valley in the eastern Zagros foothills, near the border with Iran, and is situated a considerable distance east of the city of Erbil depending on the route taken. The surrounding landscape features rugged terrain, river valleys, and a climate that varies with elevation.

Demographics in Sidekan are predominantly Kurdish, with Kurdish spoken locally (primarily the Kurmanji variety) and Arabic present among some residents. The local economy is largely based on agriculture and livestock production, with small-scale trade and crafts contributing to livelihoods. In recent years there has been growing interest in nature-based tourism, including trekking and village-based experiences, leveraging the area's scenic mountains and rural heritage.

Infrastructure in Sidekan is modest compared with urban centers. The town is connected to the regional road network, but access can be challenging in winter due to snow and mountainous road conditions. Public services such as education and healthcare exist but are limited in scale, reflecting the area’s rural character.

History in this region reflects its position within the broader Kurdish-inhabited areas of the Zagros Mountains, shaped by various empires and modern political changes. In recent decades, development projects have targeted improvements in water supply, road access, and basic public services, while preserving local traditions and the natural environment.

Sidekan forms part of the Kurdistan Region’s network of rural communities, illustrating the balance between traditional Kurdish livelihoods and efforts to enhance infrastructure and sustainable development in remote mountainous areas.