Kirkuk Governorate

Kirkuk Governorate is an administrative region in northern Iraq that covers roughly 9,600 square kilometers. It includes the provincial capital and several administrative districts with cities, towns, and rural areas.

The region was renamed At-Ta'mim Governorate in 1976 to emphasize national control over oil reserves. The original name was restored in 2006.

Arabs, Kurds, and Turkmen communities live here, each speaking their own language and following distinct customs that shape daily life. You can see these differences in local food, clothing styles, and how neighborhoods are organized.

The region has road and rail networks connecting it to other Iraqi cities, making travel between areas possible. These transport routes are the main way to move around and between districts.

Archaeological digs have uncovered ancient settlements like Arrapḫa, Nuzi, and Lubdu that flourished thousands of years ago. What makes this especially striking is that Arrapḫa lies directly beneath the streets of modern Kirkuk city.

Location: Iraq

Capital city: Kirkuk

Shares border with: Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Erbil Governorate, Diyala Governorate

GPS coordinates: 35.36667,44.13333

Latest update: December 20, 2025 12:07