Sanjak of Suleymaniye (1784-1919) (political, physical, administrative, and socio-economic structure)

The thesis on the Sanjak of Suleymaniyah, covering the years 1784 to 1919, examines the period from the establishment of Suleymaniyah in 1784 to the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the arrival of the British in the region. The study explores the political, administrative, social, educational, and economic structures of the districts and villages within the Sanjak of Suleymaniyah. It first analyzes how the geographic location of Suleymaniyah influenced the physical and cultural composition of its society. Then, the administrative framework of the sanjak is examined, revealing that various civil and military institutions were able to fulfill their functions despite certain deficiencies and challenges. Socially, families, tribal leaders, and religious figures held significant religious and political power, continually influencing events in the city across different periods. Relationships between the ruling families in Suleymaniyah and the Ottoman Empire were often shaped by the influence of neighboring countries, particularly Iran. The educational system in the sanjak evolved as modern schools were introduced while traditional mosque-based schools continued to operate up to the late Ottoman period. The fertile lands of Suleymaniyah supported a variety of crops, and residents engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, and trade. The sanjak's strategic location at the crossroads of Iraq, Iran, and Anatolia played a crucial role in fostering its trade. The thesis employs a descriptive analytical method and draws on archival documents, travelers' notes, and other sources. Key findings highlight that, unlike in the south where sectarian issues were prevalent, the conflicts between the Ottoman and Iranian empires in Northern Iraq, including the Sanjak of Suleymaniyah, were primarily political. Political crises and interventions in the north involved both Iran's ambitions to expand into Southern Iraq and uprisings by local families against state authority. Additionally, struggles for political dominance among local families and officials manifested in land acquisition efforts, forced impoverishment, and even delayed payment of salaries.