Amarah

Amarah is a city in Iraq.

It sits by the Tigris River. It is near some wet marshlands.

The weather is very hot and dry. In the summer, it gets very hot.

Farmers grow wheat and barley nearby. They also keep sheep and horses.

People make silver goods and woven items. It is a busy place for trade.

Many people live in the city now. It is a very large place.

Amarah is a city in south-eastern Iraq.

It sits on a low ridge. The Tigris River flows right next to it. The city is also near the northern tip of some marshlands. These marshes sit between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

The weather in Amarah is very hot and dry. Summers are extremely hot. In July 2020, the temperature reached 53.0 °C. Winters are cool and wetter.

Many people live in the city. In 2005, about 420,000 people lived there. By 2020, the number grew to 1,100,000. Amarah is a busy center for trade. People there make silver goods and woven items. Nearby, farmers grow wheat and barley. They also raise animals like sheep and horses.

The city has a long history. It was founded in the 1860s. It used to be a military outpost for the Ottoman Empire. Later, the British captured the city in 1915. Amarah has seen many battles and changes over the years. It remains an important place in the Maysan Province.

Amarah is a large city in south-eastern Iraq.

It sits on a low ridge next to the Tigris River. This river is a major waterway in the region. The city is also found near the northern tip of the marshlands. These marshes sit between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Amarah is the main seat of the Maysan Province. It is a busy place for trading goods from the nearby farms.

The city works as a hub for the local area. People in northern Amarah produce many things for trade. They grow winter cereals like wheat and barley. They also raise animals such as horses and sheep. The city is well known for its woven goods. It is also famous for making silverware. This trade helps the local economy stay strong. Many people move here to work and live.

The history of Amarah began in the 1860s. It started as an Ottoman military outpost. The empire used it to control local tribes. In 1915, the British captured the city. Later, the city saw many changes in how it was run. In 1922, Abdul Rahim al-Rahmani opened the first bookstore. The city's very first cinema opened in 1950. These places helped the city grow over time.

Amarah has seen many difficult years and large changes. During the Iran-Iraq War, the eastern province saw many battles. The area was important because the Baghdad-Basra highway runs through it. In the 1990s, many refugees came to the town from the marshes. The population grew very quickly during this time. In 2002, there were 340,000 people living there. By 2020, the population reached 1,100,000 people.

The weather in Amarah is a hot desert climate. This means the summers are extremely hot and dry. The winters are much cooler and wetter. On July 31, 2020, the temperature reached 53.0 °C. This is a very high number. The climate shapes how people live and farm. It also affects the many rivers and marshes nearby. This environment makes the region a unique place to visit.

Amarah is a significant city located in south-eastern Iraq. It serves as the administrative seat for the Maysan Province. The city sits on a low ridge alongside the Tigris River waterway. This location is approximately 50 km from the border with Iran. Geographically, it occupies the northern tip of the marshlands. These marshes are situated between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

The city functions as a major trading hub for the local agricultural region. In northern Amarah, farmers produce essential winter cereals. These include crops such as wheat and barley. The area also supports livestock production, specifically sheep and horses. Amarah is also recognized for its traditional craftsmanship. The city is particularly known for its woven goods and silverware. This commerce supports a growing urban population.

The history of Amarah began in the 1860s. It was originally established as an Ottoman military outpost. The Ottoman Empire used the site to control the Banu Lam and Al Bu Muhammad tribes. In 1915, British forces captured the city. Before the 1958 revolution, the region operated under a feudal system. Under this system, local estate-holders maintained private militias. The city saw cultural growth in the early 20th century. Abdul Rahim al-Rahmani founded the first bookstore in 1922. Later, the city's first cinema opened in 1950.

Amarah has experienced significant conflict and political shifts. During the eight-year Iran–Iraq War, the eastern province became a battlefield. Iran launched Operation Before the Dawn in this region. The area held strategic value because the Baghdad-Basra highway passes through the province. Following the Persian Gulf War, Amarah was a site for the 1991 uprisings. During this time, many insurgents used the area as a safe haven. This led to many deaths and mass graves outside the city. Saddam Hussein also attempted to alter the landscape by draining the marshes. He constructed several dams to restrict the local water supply.

The population of Amarah has changed drastically over recent decades. During the 1990s, the town's population swelled with refugees from the marshes. In 2002, the population was approximately 340,000 people. By 2005, this number rose to 420,000. By 2020, the population reached 1,100,000 residents. This rapid growth reflects the city's role as a regional center. However, the city also faced periods of neglect from the government during times of unrest.

The 2003 invasion of Iraq brought new challenges to the city. Amarah became a center of resistance against Saddam Hussein. British forces eventually occupied the city and established two camps. In June 2003, local citizens engaged in armed conflict with British patrols. This occurred in Majar al-Kabir, south of the city. Later, a power struggle emerged between different Shi'ite factions. These included the Mahdi Army and the Badr Brigades. In October 2006, fighting between these militias resulted in at least 22 deaths. Some of these victims were children.

In 2008, the Iraqi Army launched Operation Promise of Peace. This operation aimed to remove militia control from the city. It also sought to stop the smuggling of weapons from Iran. During this period, the US Army's 1st Cavalry Division established a presence. They built two large operating bases and several smaller outposts. The 2nd Battalion of the 7th Cavalry Regiment managed FOB Garryowen. US troops worked with the Iraqi Army and police to combat extremism. They also helped detain individuals wanted for previous attacks against British soldiers.

Political structures in the province shifted again in 2009. Provincial elections in January saw a change in the balance of power. Voters moved away from the long-term control of Sadrist parties. The Provincial Council resulted in an even split between Sadrist and Islamic Dawa Party members. Consequently, a Dawa Party member was appointed as governor in May 2009. This replaced the previous radical Sadrist leadership. The city's climate remains a hot desert climate, known as BWh. Summers are extremely hot and dry, while winters are cool and wet. On July 31, 2020, the temperature reached 53.0 °C.