Geography of Akre
Akre district is one of the most important districts of the South part of Kurdistan, which belongs to Duhok province, is one of the most beautiful and ancient districts of Kurdistan, and has cool weather. Akre is surrounded by high mountains on three sides. It borders Amedi to the east and Mosul province is close to it to the south. It covers an area of 6,418 square kilometers.
It is about 280 meters above sea level. It became a district in 1877.
Akre district is rich in food crops and natural products.
The population was 152,124 in 2010. The district consists of four sub-districts:
1- Bjil.
2- Akre.
3- Dinarte.
4- Girdasen.
History of Akre
Akre district was one of the most famous cities in ancient times dating back to the Missionary era, which is about 700 years BC. It is said that Akre was founded by a man named Amir Zaid, a Zoroastrian king.
Akre is mentioned in several books and atlases of countries. During the Kurdish emirates, Akre belonged to the Badinan Emirate. According to the 2010 census, the majority of the population of Akre is Kurdish.
Akre has many ancient monuments. One of them is the Akre Castle, located in the northern part of the city and built on a high mountain. The castle is 450 meters above sea level and was built in 580 BC. This castle has been the residence of different kings and emirs according to the times. The castle consists of several floors with four columns, each 11 meters high, and a wide large stone in the middle of the castle.
The name of Akre
It is said that the name of Akre is religious and comes from the word fire (Agir in Kurdish) because they followed Zoroastrianism during the reign of Amir Zaid and worshiped fire.
There are other opinions, such as Mosul historian Yasin Khairullah al-Omri, who says that Akre was once known as "Little Istanbul". This city is called "Aqrah" in some Arabic sources.
Tourism in Akre district
In terms of distribution and geographical location, Akre district has become an important center for the tourism sector. It has become a famous tourist area in Kurdistan, especially due to its cool nice weather. In spring, when the Newroz fire is lit on the old mountain of Akre, Kaley Kon, where the Kurdistan flag is hoisted and thousands of torches are lit, many tourists visit this area.
The village of Zanta in Akre attracts many tourists every year due to the presence of water sources and many gardens in the area. The Ottoman Castle in Akre is one of the historical buildings of the Akre district and is located in the center of the old Akre bazaar and is considered one of the most important historical monuments of the district.
There are also several old neighborhoods, houses, and ancient monuments in the center of the district.
Agriculture in Akre district
Akre is very important in terms of agriculture in the southern part of Kurdistan. Several types of crops are grown in the district, which has helped to meet the domestic needs of the district and export to most other parts of Kurdistan. Some of its crops are even in demand by foreigners. It also includes several important industries for converting agricultural raw materials into finished products such as olive oil factories.
The most important crops that are famous in Akre district:
1- Figs
2- Sumaq
3- Olives
4- Pistachios
5- Tomatoes
6- Rice
These and many other crops are grown within the district. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has identified several important projects to further develop the natural and human resources of the Akre district.
