Shaqlawa


Shaqlawa is a historic city and a hill station in the Erbil Governorate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Shaqlawa, a city of approximately 25,500 people, lies 51 km to the northeast of Erbil, at the bottom of Safeen mountain. Shaqlawa is situated between Safeen mountain and Sork mountain, and sits 1066 m above sea level. The city is known for its waterfalls, trees, and greenery.

Culture

Shaqlawa's Muslims and Christians have lived alongside each other for decades. Shaqlawa is mostly known for the grave of St. Boya, located on the top of Shaqlawa's mountain, which is a pilgrimage site for Assyrians from different regions. Established in 1965, Virgin Mary Church is an Assyrian church in the city.

Climate

Shaqlawa has a Mediterranean climate with very hot summers and relatively cold, wet winters. Subfreezing highs are very common in the winter, which would present frost. Snowfall is not uncommon. Due to its relatively cooler summer weather, Shaqlawa is visited annually by thousands of tourists from other, warmer parts of Iraq.