Discover Iraq: Halabja- Where land, memory, and resilience intertwine

2026-03-16 - 09:44

Shafaq News An in-depth look at Halabja in northeastern Iraq, where the legacy of the 1988 chemical attack, agricultural life, Kurdish identity, and post-genocide recovery continue to shape a city built on memory and resilience. Nestled in the foothills of the Zagros Mountains, Halabja is a city where natural beauty and historical tragedy converge. Fed by the Sirwan River and blessed with one of Iraq’s highest levels of rainfall, ranging from 700 to 900 millimetres annually, Halabja sits 700 meters above sea level. Its terrain is a mosaic of orchards, vineyards, and terraced fields, lovingly cultivated by generations of farmers. The air carries the fragrance of pomegranates, while the rich soil yields figs, grapes, and wheat. Despite its painful history, the land remains bountiful. Locals refer to it as Bawayanî, "blessed land", a phrase that speaks not only to its fertility but to the enduring spirit of those who call it home. Agriculture is more than a livelihood in Halabja; it is deeply tied to the city’s cultural identity. Yet this fertile land also holds the memory of profound suffering. The symbolic pomegranate tree, a local emblem of life, is also a sombre reminder of the chemical attacks that once turned this vibrant city into a site of mass death. Today, Halabja is home to about 140,000 people, the vast majority of whom are Kurdish. While most residents speak the Sorani dialect, many also preserve the Hawrami language, creating a linguistic and cultural bridge to Iran’s neighboring Kermanshah province. As the city continues to rebuild, it has become a powerful symbol of Kurdish identity and resilience. “We grew up with poetry, pomegranates, and prayer,” reflected Hemin Dler, a local teacher. “Our identity is not just spoken, it’s woven into rugs, sung in lullabies, and sewn into the fields.” For many, Halabja is both a sanctuary and solemn memorial, a place where memory is sacred and history is never far from the surface. Yet Halabja’s story cannot be understood through its landscape alone. The Wound of 1988 More than three decades after enduring one of the most harrowing atrocities in modern history, Halabja has officially been recognized as Iraq’s 19th province. The Iraqi Parliament ratified the long-awaited decision during a session attended by 178 lawmakers. Kurdish, Shiite, and Sunni blocs all rallied behind the move, which