Why Sulaymaniyah
Sulaymaniyah, also known as Slemani, is a major city located in the eastern portion of the Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq, serving as the administrative capital of its surrounding governorate. The city occupies a distinctive geographic setting, enclosed by the Azmar, Goizha, and Qaiwan mountains to the northeast, Baranan Mountain to the south, and the Tasluja Hills to the west.
The modern settlement was established in 1784 by the Ottoman-Kurdish prince Ibrahim Pasha Baban, alongside local figures such as Haji Aziz Bey Aghal and Azim Beg. Named in honor of Sulayman Pasha, the city served as the capital of the historic Baban principality until 1850. Over its history, the urban landscape expanded with early public infrastructure, including trade markets known as Qeyserîs, historical places of worship, and civic bridges. It also briefly functioned as the capital of the Kingdom of Kurdistan during the early 1920s.
Renowned as a cultural and artistic center, Sulaymaniyah has a rich literary heritage associated with celebrated Kurdish poets such as Nalî, Mahwi, and Piramerd. Today, it is recognized for its active civic life, regularly holding events like World Music Day and an annual International Film Festival. The city is a major educational hub, housing the University of Slemani—the largest university in the region—alongside Sulaimani Polytechnic University and the American University of Iraq – Sulaimani.
Visitors to Sulaymaniyah can explore several prominent historical and cultural institutions. The Sulaimani Museum is the second-largest museum in Iraq, housing an extensive collection of ancient Mesopotamian, Kurdish, and Persian artifacts. Additional cultural sites include the Amna Suraka Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Sulaimani Archaeological Museum. Outside the immediate urban area, historic landmarks such as the ancient Qyzqapan tomb, associated with King Cyaxares of Media, showcase the area's deeper past.
Compared to other major Iraqi urban centers, Sulaymaniyah experiences cooler summers and rainier winters, with a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. Temperatures generally range between 0 and 39 degrees Celsius (32 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit), with occasional winter snowfall. The local economy relies on tourism, agriculture, and light manufacturing, drawing significant regional visitors, particularly during the Newroz holiday. Travel to the city is supported by Sulaimaniyah International Airport, which provides flights via commercial carriers including Iraqi Airways, Royal Jordanian, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
01 Weather
99°
82°
97°
67°
91°
65°
91°
63°
94°
64°
98°
66°