Anbar's Enduring Landscape
A Comprehensive Study of Iraq's Western Province.
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Etymology
Origins of the Name
The name "Al Anbar" carries significant historical weight. In Persian, it translates to "warehouse" or "silo," referencing its historical role as a crucial stop along the ancient Silk Road towards Syria. This designation predates the Islamic era. The name is derived from a historic city situated within the governorate's territory, the ruins of which are located northwest of Fallujah near modern Saqlawiyah. This city, known as Anbฤr or Peroz-Shapur, was established in the 3rd century by the Muntherids and was the second-largest city in Iraq before the Arab conquest in 634 CE. It was eventually abandoned following the Mongol invasions in the 14th century.[1]
A less common interpretation suggests an Arabic origin, meaning "granaries" (plural of Nbr), further linking it to agricultural storage. However, the name was in use during the Sasanian period, long before Arabic became the dominant language in the region, supplanting Aramaic.
Tribal Nomenclature
Historically, the region was also known as Dulaim, named after the prominent Dulaim tribe that has long inhabited the area. During the Ottoman period, it was referred to as Liwa Al-Dulaim (ููุงุก ุงูุฏููู ), and in the seventeenth century, it was known as Sanjak Al-Dulaim. This tribal naming convention underscores the deep-rooted connection between the land and its people.
Historical Trajectory
Tribal Dominance and Ottoman Era
The region's identity was significantly shaped by the Dulaim tribe, leading to its historical designation as Dulaim Province. During the Ottoman administration, the province of Dulaim was formally established, evolving into the modern Al Anbar Governorate. Historical records indicate that Sheikh Itha bin Hamad was appointed as its ruler in 1706. The administrative structure solidified in the 1930s during Iraq's monarchy.[citation needed] King Faisal I of Iraq's visit in 1921, where he was received by Sheikh Ali Al Sulaimani and thousands of tribal members, highlights the province's tribal leadership structure at the time.
Caliphate Significance
During the early Islamic Caliphates, Anbar played a strategic role. Under the Rashidun Caliph Abu Bakr, the conquest of Anbar was initiated, paving the way for further expansion across the Middle East. Later, during the Abbasid era, Caliph Abu al-Abbas Abdallah al-Saffah designated Anbar as the second capital after Kufa in 751 CE, constructing his palace there in 762. The establishment of a vital road network connecting the Euphrates River to the Mediterranean Sea and the Persian Gulf meant that military movements and trade routes frequently passed through this region, enhancing its strategic importance.[citation needed]
Modern Conflicts and Reconstruction
In early 2014, Al Anbar Governorate became a focal point of conflict when the Islamic State (IS), with the support of certain local Sunni militias, launched a successful campaign to seize control from the Iraqi government. This led to extensive military operations, including the Anbar campaign (2015โ16), the Western Anbar offensive (September 2017), and the 2017 Western Iraq campaign, undertaken by the Iraqi government in collaboration with local Sunni tribes to reclaim the province. By the end of 2017, the area was effectively recaptured and has since been in a period of relative peace and reconstruction.
Geographical Profile
Arid Terrain and Desert Influence
Al Anbar Governorate is characterized by its arid climate, making it one of the driest regions in Iraq. A significant portion of the governorate lies within the Syrian Desert, featuring typical steppe and desert topography. Geographically, it can be considered a continuation of the Arabian Peninsula's plateau region. The landscape is marked by sparse vegetation, occasional hills, and numerous wadis, including the notable Wadi Hauran. The vulnerability of the land to erosion is exacerbated by challenges in land preservation.
The Vital Euphrates River
The Euphrates River is the primary water source and lifeline for the governorate's inhabitants. It flows southeasterly through seven key districts: Al-Qa'im, Anah, Haditha, Hit, Rawah, Ramadi, and Fallujah. The river's presence sustains agriculture and settlement patterns, contrasting sharply with the surrounding arid desert.
Agricultural and Mineral Resources
Despite the arid conditions, agriculture is practiced, particularly along the Euphrates. Key crops include potatoes, harvested in spring and fall, alongside wheat, barley, and maize. Al Anbar is also a significant producer of phosphates and fertilizers. The governorate is rich in mineral resources such as sulfur, gold, and oil, although its oil reserves have not been extensively explored.[2]
Climate Conditions
Seasonal Extremes
Al Anbar experiences a desert climate with significant temperature variations. Average annual rainfall is approximately 115 millimeters (4.53 inches). Summer temperatures can soar as high as 52ยฐC (125ยฐF), while winter temperatures can drop to around 0ยฐC (32ยฐF). The Euphrates River remains the principal water source, supporting life and activity throughout the governorate.
Governance Structure
Administrative Framework
The Al Anbar Governorate operates under a provincial government structure. Key figures include the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Technical Governor's Councilor. The Provincial Council Chairman (PCC) also plays a significant role in governance. The current governor is Mohammed Nouri al-Karbouli, with Ibrahim Al Asal serving as Deputy Governor and Engineer Adil Bardan as the Technical Governor's Councilor. Ahmed Hamid al-Alwani chairs the Provincial Council.[3]
Demographic Profile
Population and Composition
As of a July 2018 estimate, Al Anbar Governorate had a population of 1,771,656, ranking it 8th among Iraqi governorates by population. The population density is approximately 13 people per square kilometer (33 per square mile). The majority of the inhabitants are Sunni Arabs, primarily belonging to the Dulaim tribe. While precise population figures for all cities and villages remain elusive, estimates suggest a significant portion of the population resides in the major urban centers of Ramadi and Fallujah.
Historically, the population has shown consistent growth. In 1977, the population was recorded at 466,100, increasing to 820,690 by 1987, and reaching 1,771,656 by 2018, reflecting an average annual growth rate of approximately 1.99% in recent years.[4]
Religious demographics indicate that approximately 90% of Anbar's inhabitants adhere to the Sunni branch of Islam, with the remaining 10% comprising Shias and other minority groups.[7]
Population Trends
| Year | Pop. | ยฑ% p.a. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | 466,100 | โ | ||
| 1987 | 820,690 | +5.82% | ||
| 1997 | 1,023,736 | +2.24% | ||
| 2009 | 1,483,359 | +3.14% | ||
| 2018 | 1,771,656 | +1.99% | ||
|
||||
| Source: Citypopulation[4] | ||||
Major Cities and Towns
Urban Centers
Al Anbar Governorate is home to numerous cities and towns, many situated along the Euphrates River. The most significant urban centers include:
- Ramadi
- Fallujah
- Al-Qaim
- Hit
- Haditha
- Anah
- Rawah
- Kabisa
- Al Baghdadi
- Falahat
- An Nukhayb
- Akashat
- Tarbil
- Husaibah Al Sharqiah
- Amiriyah Fallujah
- Saqlawiyah
- An Nahidayn
- Al Sharqiah
- Al Waleed (Al Walid)
- Sa'dah
- Al Saqrh
- Al Mamorha
- Al Enaimih
- Rumana
- Al Asarjirah
- Al Sujr
- Al Jabhah
- Al Rihaniah
- Al Furaat
- Al Mhamady
- Al Kasrah
- Al-Karฤbilah
- Al Ubaidi
- Barwanah
- Al Khaldiya
- Al Habbaniyah
- Al-Karmah
- Al Haqlaniyah
- Ar Rahaliyah
- Ar Rutbah
Important Mosques
Spiritual Landmarks
Al Anbar Governorate is home to numerous mosques, monuments, and shrines, reflecting its rich religious heritage. Among the notable mosques are:
| Mosque | City |
|---|---|
| Great State Masjid | Ramadi |
| Great Masjid of Ramadi | Ramadi |
| Masjid of Sadiq al-Amin | Ramadi |
Note: This section is marked as needing citations in the source material.
Anbar During U.S. Occupation
Strategic Challenges and Insurgency
The Al Anbar Governorate presented unique strategic challenges during the U.S. occupation of Iraq. Despite being Iraq's largest governorate by area, it remained the most sparsely populated. Its vastness, comparable to Bangladesh, housed fewer than 1.8 million inhabitants, predominantly concentrated along the Euphrates River and in major cities like Ramadi and Fallujah.[8]
Anbar was a critical Sunni stronghold and a significant base for Al Qaeda and insurgent operations in the early years of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Western Euphrates River Valley served as a vital infiltration route for foreign fighters entering Iraq from Syria, often compared to the Ho Chi Minh Trail during the Vietnam War. This facilitated the movement of insurgents towards Baghdad and other key areas.[8]
Operational Difficulties
The province was the deadliest region for American service members during the initial four years of Operation Iraqi Freedom, accounting for approximately one-third of American fatalities.[8] The operational environment was arduous, characterized by long-distance travel, pervasive dust, extreme heat, and the constant threat of roadside mines and insurgent activity. The contrast between the fertile river valley and the barren desert landscape further complicated logistical and patrol efforts for the U.S. Marine Corps.
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