Baqubah, Administrative center in east-central Iraq.
Baqubah is an administrative city extending along the Diyala River and surrounded by agricultural fields and date palm plantations that define its landscape. The city blends urban areas with green zones sustained by the river and surrounding farmland.
The settlement originated from an ancient Aramaic community called Baya quba and served as a major hub on the Baghdad-Khorasan trade route. This location made it an important crossroads for merchants and travelers for centuries.
The city is home to diverse ethnic groups including Sunni Arabs, Shia Arabs, Turkmen, and Kurds who coexist in daily life. This mix of communities has shaped local traditions and trade practices over time.
As the capital of Diyala Governorate, the city sits about 50 kilometers northeast of Baghdad with direct road links to major Iraqi cities. Visitors should check current conditions before traveling and expect to rely on local guidance for navigation.
During World War I, the city housed a large refugee camp that sheltered approximately 40,000 Assyrian people under military protection. This chapter makes it a significant site in the history of the Assyrian diaspora.
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