Soran Mama Hama

The original article written by late Soran Mama Hama can be read in Kurdish and English translation, thanks to Dr Kamal Mirawdeli from Kurdish Media.

In Kurdish, click here.

In English, click here.

In another step, the Director-General of UNESCO, Koїchiro Matsuura, condemned the murder of Soran Mama Hama, shot to death on 21 July in the suburbs of Kirkuk in Kurdistan.

“I condemn the murder of Soran Mama Hama,” said Mr Matsuura. “This crime, targeting a courageous journalist, illustrates yet again the danger media professionals working in Iraq are exposed to. In order for freedom of expression, cornerstone of democracy, to exist in the country, authorities must pay greater heed to the safety of journalists.”

Soran Mama Hama, 23, had been working for three years for Leven, independent bimonthly magazine published in the Kurd language. According to his colleagues, he received threats after writing articles critical of local officials. The journalist was shot in his home in Rasheed Awa, a suburb of Kirkuk, the evening of July 21 by four unidentified gunmen who fled by car.

According to the NGO Reporters withour Borders, 217 media professionals have been killed in Iraq since 2003; 13 of them were killed in Kirkuk.

To read the exact article, click here.

RIP kaka Soran...

Freedom of Expression in Kurdistan - Soran Mama Hama

- Late Soran Mama Hama, Symbol of Freedom -

Sadly, this is the price that free man should pay, this is the tax that you should pay when you try to raise your voice, when you report on the responsible people here in South Kurdistan, the most stable and secure portion of newly Iraq....

Soran Mama Hama, a young 23 years old journalist, wrote articles for one of the Kurdish language Sulaimaniyah based independent magazine here in Kurdistan "Livin" who have been assassinated by unknown armed men, in Kirkuk on 22nd of this month, after publishing some articles, which seems to be against some "gangsters" in this region...

Here is the link to the last published article to the late journalist Soran Mama Hama. click here.

It's in Kurdish and talking about the "Prostitution Phenomenon in Kirkuk city" and how many officials in the government involved, even he said that he has a list of these officials but for some "social aspects", we (Livin Magazin) are not going to publish it now....

Here is some reactions to his assassination:

Human rights and press freedom monitors are strongly condemning the murder of Iraqi-Kurdish journalist Soran Mama Hama.

In an interview with the Voice of America's Kurdish Service, Ahmed Mira, editor-in-chief of Livin paid tribute to the courageous young journalist:

"Without a doubt, Soran Mama Hama was of one of the most prominent and professional of journalists, with a great future in front of him."

Joel Campagna, Middle East Program Coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said:

"We are extremely concerned about the death of Soran Mama Hama. It's a frightening attack on a journalist which, I think, will send a chilling message to all journalists unless those responsible for this terrible crime are identified and brought to justice."

His murder made an echo among Kurdish people and so many articles wrote on this occasion, but what I liked the most was this article:

""Kurdish reactions to Soran’s assassination""

Soran Mama Hama was assassinated by yesterday’s robbers and today’s murderers

By Kaywan Hawrami – Halabja, 27 July 2008
Translated by Dr Kamal Mirawdeli

For God’s sake, every day they give us a new model of evil deeds as present: robbery, working as mercenaries for enemies (jashayati), corruption, dictatorship, murder, mafia, etc. These all have been the models that [Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) have been offering us. Once people were praying that we would get rid of these robbers, then they became jash (paid mercenaries) of [regional] countries and they are still doing this; then they became dictators and have smothered the country with their injustice; then dictatorship was not sufficient for them they became mafia groups.

For long time people were praying that they would give up robbery but God made them worse; they became jash of regional countries and sold our country and thus became dictators without spending much effort. However, jashayati came to an end, and then they offered new models to us all of which were utterly useless for this country. For some years now they have introduced a new model to us called the model of being-mafias.

This model is very old in Europe but it has recently reached Kurdistan and been applied by our officials. One of the tasks of these mafia groups is to persecute and martyr those journalists who say the truth. The first martyr was Dr Abdulsattar Tahir Sharif. The latest is Soran Mama Hama. Both of them were killed by these two parties. Both of them were critical of Kurdish power: Abdulsattar criticised and exposed their past, Soran exposed their present. That is why they killed both of them

But these mafias do not give a damn about the truth; they do not know how to look at the facts. They only know how to kill, how to steal the wealth and property of people, they have come to ruin the country and prevent anyone from saying anything. They want to rewrite Kurdish history with their filthy hands and inherit it to us. How idiotic, blind and ignorant they are.

The president of the region and his vassals think that by martyring Kaka Soran they can silence us! These mafias think that anyone saying the truth has crossed the red line! Again I repeat: how idiotic you are! I am afraid this all what you are capable of thinking and use this mentality for brutality. You do not know that by martyring Kaka Soran you have only sharpened the points of our pens. I am surprised by your ignorance!

When I heard the news of the assassination of Soran Mama Hama I immediately believed that it is your job because apart from ignorant people like you no one else [in Kurdish society] resorts to rusty bullets. You still have these rusty bullets in your pockets that the [Ba’thist] regime had offered to you so that you would complete the work that the regime had started. I see no difference between you and the previous Ba’th regime because both of you are inspired by a rotten mind, both of you are the product of a rotten culture and mentality of the Medieval ages, Both of you have been nurtured by the filthy milk of A’flaq {Ba’th], It is enough, From now on we will face each other: you with your rusty knives and we with the points of our pens. You with your weapons; and we with our consciences. Let us who will win the future!


RIP kaka Soran...

Al-Azhar University will open an Islamic Institute in Kurdistan

And finally they decided to open an Islamic Institute in the Kurdistan Region, it comes in PUK Media that:

The”Sawt al-Azhar” newspaper which is issued by al- Azhar University in Cairo, announced that, according to an agreement inked by the (KRG) Minister of Religious Affairs and the Azhar Representative Abdel Fatah Alam, an institute will be opened in Kurdistan region. It will be the first of its kind in Iraq.

The newspaper said that al-Azhar University will dispatch 3 specialists in religion and administration to Erbil in order to complete the preparations of opening the Institute.
Al-Azhar al-Shareef is the largest Islamic and Scientific Source in the world. More than one million students, among them 15 from Kurdistan region, study in the aforementioned university.

This is new for a hight Islamic source to announce such step, although they said that there was an Islamic Institute int the region in the early nineties, which last till the end of last decade, but later they closed, why, I don't know.

Let's see what will bring this step to our region and to our religions.

"Bazar", Hotels and Parks in Hawler

"Bazar" is an eastern term used to refer to Market, nations from Pakistan, India to the Arabian countries, passing through Persia and Kurdistan are suing this term very widely.



The bazaar in Kurdistan contains a broad range of hand-made materials produced by the regional natives, which shows the Kurdish Folklore, in addition to the typical foods, along side the foreign products.

Generally speaking, Markets are very interested in Hawler city. At the city center, near the Hawler Castle, there is a place called "Qaysari", this is a great place for shopping, it contains about thousand shops selling different kinds of goods, from whatever you want; shoes, clothes for different ages and sexes, fabrics, make-up, foods; local and foreign foods, even folkloric manufactures and gold sellers.

Of course this is not only Markets here in Hawler, we have too many other markets, like: Iskan St. Markets which will be open till 1:00 am, Tayrawa Shopping centers, Koran Shopping centers, beside so many supermarkets and malls which have been opened since 2003, including: Kok Supermarket, New City Shopping Center, Modern City Mall, Naza Mall, and many others, to name but few.

Muthafariya Markets, they are located in the Muthafariya Qr., opposite to the Governorate Building, the majority of the shops in this market are specialized in selling computers and IT technologies, including spare parts and accessories. Beside a leading Model Cloth Shops "Al-Sultan Market", they are really leading in this field, but their goods are very expensive.


The most crowded St. at night will be Iskan St with all the markets on both sides of the street, it's a short street, but very popular and crowded, the shops and markets will be open till late night, 1:00 am.

Iskan Street located in Iskan Qr. and connects the 30m St. to the 60m Street, everything available there, from clothes to foods.

There is also a very nice small garden, nearly in the middle of the St., "Brusik Garden", having two sides, one for families.

This is a picture of Khanzad Hotel, Five Stared Hotel, Situated on Erbil - Salahaddin Highway, composed of 6 Stories, 96 Rooms, Modern Luxury Hotel; Constructed Parallel to Khanzad Mountain; Wide Attached Areas Surrounded by Forests; Offering Various Services to Tourists. Watching over Rural Areas, Valleys & Mountains; About 15 km off Erbil City Center.

The Khanzad Hotel is built atop a hill some five kilometers from Shaqlawa. Its location is symbolic of its aspiration to represent the highest standards of service and hotelerie in the Kurdistan Region.

Build just before 2003 and once the American "invaded" Iraq become the official place for them, and by this the owner made a huge benefits.

This is a simple picture of "Martyr Sami Abdur-Rahman Park", made by the KRG, at first named "Hawler Park" but after the deadly explosions which targeted both Headquarters of the PUK and PDK, they changed the name to this name.

The park is situated on 60-m St, opposite to Kurdistan Parliament Building. It is beautiful, integrated and of tourist peculiarity.

I've heard too many times, that it's a largest park in all over the middle east, but I never read about it, so I don't know it's or not, but to be honest, it's very big, in a way you may be miss in it if you don't know it well.

It includes a swimming pool, statues, restaurants, and they added car parking garage lately.

Beside that recently the made a very big hall just between the Garage and the main Park, for the international shows, for example the last international book show and the Italian show, held there.

I have too many recent pictures of this great place, will upload them soon, so check it up... :)

Museum and Archaeological Sites in Hawler

The history of Hawler dates back to over 6,000 years BC, which is the oldest continuously inhabiting city in the world, by this, Hawler will be a very great place which contains many archaeological materials which will be very important, not only for the Kurdish or Iraqi people, but for he Humanity as a whole.

This is Erbil Civilization Museum, the museum is on Kirkuk Road between the 30m street and the 60m street, just opposite to the Kurdistan International Bank, near Sheraton Hotel.

It is rich in various antiquities, statues, remains of Erbil & surrounding areas ancient civilization.

It holds a great archaeological library that is of benefit for historians and archaeologists. You can see obviously how neglected from the first sight, unfortunately this is a case in all the great buildings in our area.

This is Khanzad Castle lies on Erbil-Shaqlawa road and is one of the archaeological sites in the city of Erbil. It dates back to Soran Principality period when Princes ruled (Sulaiman Beg and Princess Khanzad) in Soran district whose capital was Rawandooz then.

In the media rule of Abbasids, there had been a small emirate in the mountainous area, to the east of Erbil City. It was established by the princes of Zarzariya Tribe. Its castle "Deween Castle" was considered to be the greatest and most famous in the region. The emirate was the main center for political entities in the area. The castle is located on the top of a mountain, looking down upon a great river. The princes of this emirate are believed to be the affiliates of "Shadi Bin Marwan", who was the chief of Rawand Tribe, who were residing the village close to Deween Castle. He was one of the grandfathers of Salahaddin Al-Ayyoubi.

Some Resorts in Hawler

Hawler is well known for resorts, like Permam (Salahaddin), Shaqlawa, Jundyan, Haji Omaran , Choman, Rawanduz, Gully Ali Beg, and to mention but few.

This is an old picture of Bekhal Resort, which located about 140 km away from Erbil governorate center, east of Gully Ali Beg, 10 km off Rawandooz district. The maximum temperature is 32 degrees Celsius in summer.

The resort is accessible via Gally Ali Beg road or Rawandooz district. It has a huge cataract with pure water falling down the mountain. There are several folk restaurants and other entertaining places.

From early spring to late autumn, tourists head for the resort.

It's being awhile I didn't go to these resorts. I should revise myself.

Gully Ali Beg Resort which is about 130 km off Erbil governorate center. It is one of the attractive and beautiful resorts in Kurdistan Region. It extends for 12 km between Korak and Bradost Mountains, forming a magnificent landscape.

The Gully is round 800 m above sea level, with maximum temperature 35 degrees Celsius in summer and 10 degrees below freezing in winter. In the gulley two rivers meet-one springs from Alana Valley, Khalifan sub-district; the other from Rawandooz district and Bekhal Resort. At the gulley entrance, both meet Seedakan River to form the Great Zab.

In addition to the major waterfall, there are several cascades. The resort is featured by its mountainous terrain and various trees. It is a gorgeous place for recreational picnics; it has a number of restaurants and other entertaining spots. In spring and summer, tourists head for the resort where there are private places for families.

The Iraqi Government used this picture on one of the monetary units, from old days till now.

Jundyan Resort which is about 147 km off Erbil city centre, 5 km from Soran district. It lies at the bottom of Hndreen Mountain; with maximum temperature 32 degrees Celsius in summer. Jundyan resort is famed for its magic sweet water spring flowing out of Hndreen Mountain bottom.

It is surrounded by varied trees. The Regional Government took care of this resort, including a restaurant, and other recreational and private places for tourist families.

Kurdistan Region as a Model for Religious Coexistence and Tolerance

Kurdish people are well-known for their tolerance and their respect to the other religions other than they believe in. I've heard more than one time that in Akre and Amedi towns, which located on the Iraq - Turkey border and belongs to the Duhok Province, the Church is just beside the Mosque.

This is not only a talk, let's bring some proofs, on 3rd of March 2008, the news comes from PUK Media that Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani met a high ranking delegation from International Peace Messengers Union in Salah El-Din resort, Irbil Province, on the behalf that the Union has chosen Kurdistan Region as a model for religious and ethnic coexistence. The Union also introduced to President Barzani a certification for his role in achieving peace and joint coexistence.

President Barzani appreciated this step, and emphasized his support for the goals of the Union.

Here I am going to upload 3 pictures that proves that Kurdistan is a Model for Religious Coexistence and Tolerance.





This is a very nice shot, for the largest and the most well-decorated Mosque here in Kurdistan, Jaleel Khayat and his sons Mosque, located on the 60m St., just on the other side of Shorsh Overpass.

They spent more than 7 years to build this Mosque.






St. Joseph Church, this church is located on Erbi-Ainkawa main road. Ainkawa is a town near Hawler city, most of it's population are Christian, and after 1991 became a local site for all foreign NGO in the region.

St. Joseph Church is one of the eminent churches in Ainkawa subdistrict. Its total area is 10000 M2 of which the premises take up 950 M2.

In 1978, it was built according to the ancient Babylonian design.



Al-Sawwaf Mosque, one of the largest mosque here in Hawler, if not in the Kurdistan all it's located on the Thirty Meters St., next to the Kurdistan Region Bank, Hareem Bank.

It constructed in the year 2003 according to Islamic architecture. It combines between modernism an heritage.

It has very beautiful and amazing look, actually the process of building starts during 90ies of the past century, on a relatively large area. They said that the fund for building this mosque comes from an old Saudian Muslim widow, may Allah bless her.

Hawler in 90ies

It's not rare to see snowing in Hawler, but it's not common too, this is very nice shoot showing Hawler Castle covered with snow.





The last 2 pictures, is more modern, they may return to late 90ies.

Some other pictures of Hawler

Hawler at night, showing the Gov. Building just beside the Castle.

Hawler in 80ies and 90ies

You can see how life changing, these pictures taken during last decades of last century.


Look, you can't find any buildings around "Delalxana". Beside, the Ibin Mustawfi's Stature yet not placed on the main gate to the Castle.




Usual appearance of Hawler Castle in the Spring time.

Some Old Pictures of Hawler 3

Selected Views of Hawler Castle

Some other unique pictures, selected views to the Hawler Castle...


The usual and traditional balcony of the Hawler Castle.




An aerial view of Hawler Castle, locating in the middle of the old city.

Pictures of Qelay Hawler

Floods in Hawler and some other pictures

Although now a days its rare to see floods in Hawler but these pictures shows that there were floods in Hawler in old dauys, during thirties and fifties of last century.

The picture from 1950 showing one of the oldest Quarters in this city, Tayrawa, which is considered to be one of the oldest quarters here in Hawler, and of course one of the poorest quarters too.

Hawler Basketball Team and other rare pictures

Some other rare pictures.



Youth from Hawler were always interested in Sports, and this pictures is the best prove.

I do remember when I was just a kid there was a stature for one of the soccer players here in Hawler, in Bazar, but don't know what happened then after.

Some Old Pictures of Hawler 2

Very rare pictures of Hawler in the old days... enjoy...

Hawler in old days

Another 3 unique pictures of Hawler in the old days.. Enjoy ...

Erbil or Hawler Citadel (Qelay Hawler)

Qelay Hawler (Erbil Citadel)

Hawler is known for having a Citadel in the center of the city, along with a Minaret, Shekhy Choli Minaret, that's the reason they call Hawler as a "Shari Qela u Minera" which means, The city of Citadel and Minaret.

Hawler or Erbil Citadel lies in the middle of Erbil city. It has a round shape with its buildings and dwellings; 30 m high.

It dates back to over 6000 years BC. Hundreds of families live on the Citadel; there are 506 houses distributed over three quarters (Sarai Q., Takya Q. & Top khana Q.). They were built in artistic styles of architecture, particularly the houses of (Hashim Dabbagh Agha, Mulla Salim Chalabi, Ahmad Chalabi, Sheikh Jameel Ali Afandi, Haji Rasheed Agha).

Additionally, there are the Great Mosque and Citadel Bath built in 1775 AD. The Citadel was famous for having most of the idols and was a center for heroic deeds by the modern civilization figures; also, it was well-known as Defeated Holako's Castle.

However, normal life is still ongoing in the Citadel. As discovered by archaeologists, the Citadel holds many significant remains of various historical races; 5000 year-old relics can be found within its inside parts, but have not yet been researched fully.

Here some old pictures of Erbil (Hawler) Citadel "Qelay Hawler"