Qalladze means "Castle of Two Rivers" from the Kurdish words Qala= castle, dw= two and ze= river. In the southwest of the city there is a castle between two rivers.[1]
History
Qaladiza in 1958.
Qaladiza is a town in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, known for its rich history and cultural significance. Below is a detailed overview of Qaladiza from its early history to the present day.
Early History
Ancient Period
Geographical Importance: Qaladiza is located in a mountainous region, which historically provided natural defenses and made it a strategic location for settlements.
Early Inhabitants: The area has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence suggesting that it was part of various early civilizations in Mesopotamia. The region likely saw influence from the Sumerians, Akkadians, Assyrians, and later the Medes.
Medieval Period
Islamic Era
Islamic Conquests: With the spread of Islam in the 7th century, Qaladiza, like much of the Kurdish region, came under Islamic rule. The town and its surrounding areas became part of various Islamic caliphates, including the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates.
Kurdish Emirates: During the medieval period, the region was often governed by Kurdish emirates, semi-autonomous principalities that paid tribute to larger Islamic empires. These emirates, such as the Shaddadid and Rawadid, played a significant role in the local governance of Kurdish regions.
Ottoman Period (16th - Early 20th Century)
Ottoman Rule
Administrative Structure: Qaladiza fell under the control of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. It was part of the larger Ottoman administrative structure, which often granted significant autonomy to local Kurdish leaders in exchange for loyalty and tribute.
Tribal Influences: Kurdish tribal structures remained strong, and tribal leaders continued to wield significant power within the Ottoman framework. The Ottomans employed a system of indirect rule, relying on these leaders to maintain order and collect taxes.
20th Century
British Mandate and Kingdom of Iraq (1920-1958)
Post-Ottoman Transition: After World War I and the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, Qaladiza became part of the British Mandate of Mesopotamia. This period was marked by significant political changes and the eventual establishment of the Kingdom of Iraq in 1932.
Kurdish Nationalism: The early 20th century saw the rise of Kurdish nationalism. The Kurds, including those in Qaladiza, sought greater autonomy and recognition of their cultural and political rights.
Republic of Iraq (1958-Present)
Kurdish Rebellions and Ba'athist Era (1958-2003)
First Kurdish-Iraqi War (1961-1970): Qaladiza, like many Kurdish towns, was involved in the conflict between Kurdish forces and the Iraqi government. The town faced military actions and population displacements.
Autonomy Agreement (1970): A peace agreement in 1970 granted limited autonomy to the Kurdish region, including Qaladiza. However, the implementation was fraught with difficulties and mutual distrust.
Second Kurdish-Iraqi War (1974-1975): Renewed conflict led to further instability and destruction. Qaladiza was significantly affected by the Iraqi government's military campaigns.
Anfal Campaign (1986-1989): The Ba'athist regime under Saddam Hussein launched the Anfal Campaign, a genocidal campaign against the Kurds. Qaladiza suffered mass destruction, and many residents were killed or displaced.
Post-2003 and the Establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)
US Invasion and Aftermath: The 2003 US invasion of Iraq led to the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. The Kurdistan Region, including Qaladiza, gained greater autonomy and stability under the protection of the US and its allies.
Reconstruction and Development: Since 2003, Qaladiza has seen significant reconstruction efforts. The KRG has invested in infrastructure, education, and healthcare to improve living conditions.
Economic Growth: The town has benefited from the relative stability of the Kurdistan Region, experiencing economic growth and development. The presence of natural resources and investments in various sectors have contributed to this progress.
Cultural and Social Aspects
Education and Intellectual Contributions
University of Raparin: The establishment of the University of Raparin in Qaladiza has been a major development. It has become a center for higher education and research, contributing to the intellectual growth of the region.
Cultural Revival: Efforts to preserve and promote Kurdish culture, language, and traditions have been significant. Cultural festivals, literary events, and educational programs have reinforced Kurdish identity.
Demographics and Social Structure
Ethnic Composition: Qaladiza is predominantly Kurdish, with a strong sense of cultural and ethnic identity. The social structure is influenced by traditional Kurdish customs and tribal affiliations.
Modernization and Urbanization: While maintaining traditional elements, Qaladiza has also experienced modernization and urbanization, with improved infrastructure and services.
Political Dynamics
Kurdish Political Movements
Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK): The PUK has been a dominant political force in Qaladiza. The town has been a stronghold of support for PUK and its leaders.
Political Participation: Residents of Qaladiza actively participate in the political process, contributing to the broader Kurdish struggle for autonomy and rights within Iraq.
Contemporary Challenges and Prospects
Security and Stability
Regional Tensions: Despite relative stability, Qaladiza faces challenges from regional tensions, including conflicts involving neighboring countries and internal political disputes.
ISIS Threat: The rise of ISIS in 2014 posed a significant threat to the entire Kurdistan Region. Qaladiza, like other Kurdish towns, mobilized to defend against this threat, showcasing Kurdish resilience and unity.
Future Prospects
Sustainable Development: The focus on sustainable development, including education, healthcare, and economic diversification, is key to Qaladiza's future. The town's potential for growth and prosperity hinges on continued stability and investment.
Conclusion
Qaladiza's history is a testament to the resilience and endurance of its people. From ancient times through periods of conflict and upheaval, the town has maintained its cultural identity and played a significant role in the Kurdish struggle for autonomy. Today, Qaladiza is a symbol of reconstruction and progress in the Kurdistan Region, with a promising future shaped by its rich heritage and ongoing development efforts.
The town was destroyed by Saddam Hussein's government during the Iran–Iraq War and all residents were forced to leave the town and moved to Bazzian and other parts of Iraqi Kurdistan, but mostly they were moved to some camps somewhere near Bazzian, a small town located west of Slemani. The people who have been moved, stayed there until the Kurdish uprising against Saddam Hussein's regime in 1991. Then they came back to their land. The town has continued to expand. A branch of the Sulaimania University was established there in 1974, but the Iraqi government attacked it on 24 April 1974.[2]
At 9.15am on Wednesday 24 April 1974, Qalladze fell victim to Saddam Hussein first airstrike against the Kurds.[3] It was rumoured that the town attracted the eye of Saddam Hussein because the University of Slemani* had temporarily relocated to Qalladze on 1 April 1974 – under the command of leader Mustafa Barzani who led the Kurdish revolution. More than 425 students and teachers re-located to Qalladze as a show of solidarity to Mustafa Barzani's decision which angered the Ba’athi government. Bomber planes, rockets and internationally prohibited cannon fires set alight the town of Qalladze, the Ba’athist government had demolished the town of Qalladze and it is said[by whom?] that more than 132 children and students alone were killed during the attacks, with over 400 Kurds injured or missing.[citation needed] Although the exact number of victims is unclear, some estimate that over 350 people, including students and teachers died.[4] Two days after the Iraqi government's first airstrike on the Kurds, attentions were turned to the town of Halabja – the second victim of Saddam Hussein's airstrikes.[5]
On 10 February 2013, the council ministers of the Kurdish Regional Government elected 24 April as the University Martyrs Day; a homage to the fallen martyrs of Sulaymaniyah University (now known as Salahaddin University).[6]
