Kalar, Iraq

Kalar (Arabic: كلار; Sorani Kurdish: کەلار, romanized: Kelar)^[3][4] is a city in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and is the administrative center of the Garmian Region. It is located on the west bank of the Sirwan (Diyala) river in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, east of Kifri, and west of the towns of Qasri Shirin and Sarpol Zahab, located in Kermanshah.^[1]

Kalar کەلار Kelar
City
The view of Kalar from Sherwana Castle
Kalar Kalar in Iraq
Coordinates: 34°37′45″N 45°19′20″E
Country	Iraq
Autonomous Region	Kurdistan Region
Governorate	Sulaymaniyah
District	Kalar
Elevation	200−255[1] m (758 ft)
Population [2]
• Total	250,000[1]
Time zone	UTC+3 (UTC+3)

Geography

Kalar is a town located in the Sulaymaniyah Governorate of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains and is approximately 80 kilometers southwest of Sulaymaniyah city. ^[5]

History

Kalar has a rich historical background, with evidence of settlement dating back to ancient times. The town has been influenced by various cultures and civilizations, including the Assyrians and Babylonians. During the 20th century, Kalar played a significant role in the Kurdish struggle for autonomy in Iraq. ^[6]

Demographics

Kalar is predominantly inhabited by Kurds, with the vast majority of them being Sunni Muslim. The town is known for its cultural diversity and strong Kurdish identity, with many residents engaged in preserving Kurdish language and Kurdish traditions. ^[7]

Economy

The economy of Kalar is mainly based on agriculture, with residents cultivating crops such as wheat, barley, and various fruits and vegetables. Additionally, livestock farming is common in the surrounding areas. The town also benefits from trade with nearby regions due to its strategic location. ^[8]

Culture

Kalar is known for its rich cultural heritage, with various traditional Kurdish practices, music, and dance. The town hosts cultural events and festivals that celebrate Kurdish identity, attracting visitors and promoting local arts. ^[9]

Tourism

Kalar is becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists due to its scenic landscapes and cultural heritage. The town features beautiful natural attractions, including mountains and rivers, which provide opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and other outdoor activities. ^[10]

Climate

Kalar is located in the Garmian Region in Southern Kurdistan and is known for having a warm and dry climate, occasionally reaching over 50°C (122°F) in the summer. It is warmest in July and coldest in January. The temperature rarely reaches below 0°C (32°F) in the winter. According to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system, Kalar has a Semi-arid climate (BSh).

Climate data for Kalar, Iraq
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	19.24 (66.63)	20.26 (68.47)	28.36 (83.05)	31.4 (88.5)	38.49 (101.28)	45.58 (114.04)	47.6 (117.7)	45.58 (114.04)	43.55 (110.39)	27.35 (81.23)	35.45 (95.81)	25.32 (77.58)	47.6 (117.7)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	9.76 (49.57)	11.52 (52.74)	15.92 (60.66)	21.86 (71.35)	28.62 (83.52)	36.04 (96.87)	40.25 (104.45)	40.18 (104.32)	35.11 (95.20)	17.81 (64.06)	27.02 (80.64)	12.28 (54.10)	24.70 (76.46)
Daily mean °C (°F)	6.54 (43.77)	7.94 (46.29)	11.94 (53.49)	17.56 (63.61)	24.42 (75.96)	31.46 (88.63)	35.46 (95.83)	35.08 (95.14)	30.07 (86.13)	14.06 (57.31)	22.51 (72.52)	8.83 (47.89)	20.49 (68.88)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	1.81 (35.26)	2.54 (36.57)	5.3 (41.5)	9.31 (48.76)	15.06 (59.11)	20.84 (69.51)	24.39 (75.90)	24.39 (75.90)	20.05 (68.09)	8.3 (46.9)	14.58 (58.24)	4.0 (39.2)	12.55 (54.58)
Record low °C (°F)	−8.1 (17.4)	−7.09 (19.24)	−8.1 (17.4)	0.0 (32.0)	5.06 (41.11)	14.18 (57.52)	18.23 (64.81)	15.19 (59.34)	12.15 (53.87)	−4.05 (24.71)	7.09 (44.76)	−8.1 (17.4)	−8.1 (17.4)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	165.46 (6.51)	145.91 (5.74)	182.21 (7.17)	89.01 (3.50)	68.4 (2.69)	2.57 (0.10)	0.58 (0.02)	0.78 (0.03)	1.69 (0.07)	89.18 (3.51)	52.39 (2.06)	137.55 (5.42)	935.73 (36.82)
Average precipitation days	10.69	11.41	13.81	10.58	7.83	0.83	0.27	0.36	0.46	7.45	5.34	9.48	78.51
Average relative humidity (%)	63.74	63.46	60.71	53.37	39.0	21.31	16.53	16.73	20.65	33.31	47.82	57.98	41.22
Mean daily sunshine hours	7.8	7.89	10.49	12.95	14.08	14.66	14.53	14.08	12.47	9.6	8.38	7.84	11.23
Source: [11]

Notable inhabitants

• Kawa Garmeyani

See also

• Garmekan (Sasanian province located in modern-day Kurdistan Region of Iraq)
• Garmian Region
• Beth Garmai