What and where is Kirkuk in Iraq?
Posted on Feb 09, 2026 / Travel
Kirkuk is a major city in northern Iraq and serves as the capital of the Kirkuk Governorate, sitting about 250 km northeast of Baghdad. It’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Middle East, with roots going back thousands of years and names like Arrapha in ancient times. The city lies near the Zagros Mountains and the Khasa River, giving it a mix of flat plains and scenic backgrounds. Kirkuk is often seen as a cultural crossroads because it sits between different ethnic regions and has been part of many empires. The population today is very diverse, including Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen and other groups living side by side. Over the years, the city has become known internationally not just for its history but also because of its strategic role in Iraq’s oil industry. Whether you’re studying Middle Eastern history or modern geopolitics, Kirkuk is a name that comes up a lot thanks to its long past and ongoing importance.
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