Ramadi

Ramadi
Name	Ramadi
Native name	الرمادي
Settlement type	City
Coordinates	33.4258°N, 43.2992°E
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Iraq
Subdivision type1	Governorate
Subdivision name1	Al Anbar Governorate
Subdivision type2	District
Subdivision name2	Ramadi District
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Ibrahim al-Awsaj
Area total km2	125
Elevation m	50
Population total	874,543
Population as of	2023 estimate
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	AST
Utc offset	+3

Ramadi. It is the capital and largest city of Al Anbar Governorate in western Iraq, situated strategically on the southern bank of the Euphrates River approximately 110 kilometers west of Baghdad. Founded in 1879 by the Ottoman governor Midhat Pasha, the city has long been a major administrative and cultural hub for the Al-Dulaim tribal confederation. In the 21st century, it gained global prominence as a focal point during the Iraq War and the subsequent conflict against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

History

The modern city was formally established in the late 19th century under Midhat Pasha, who sought to strengthen Ottoman control along the Euphrates River. During the British Mandate of Mesopotamia, it became an important administrative center. The city saw significant development under the Ba'athist regime of Saddam Hussein, who hailed from the nearby town of Al-Awja. Following the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Ramadi became a major insurgent stronghold and the scene of intense fighting, notably during the Second Battle of Fallujah and operations by the United States Marine Corps. In 2015, it was captured by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant after the Battle of Ramadi, leading to widespread destruction before being liberated in 2016 by the Iraqi Armed Forces supported by the International Coalition and Popular Mobilization Forces. The city has since been engaged in a prolonged period of reconstruction.

Geography

Ramadi is located on a relatively flat alluvial plain within the Mesopotamian Marshes region, positioned directly on the southern bank of the Euphrates River. The city's layout is centered around the Euphrates, with several key bridges, such as the Mualimeen Bridge, connecting its districts. The surrounding geography is characterized by arid desert, part of the larger Syrian Desert, with agricultural land sustained by irrigation canals from the river. Its strategic location on the highway between Baghdad and the Jordanian border has made it a vital transportation node for centuries.

Demographics

The population is predominantly composed of Sunni Arabs, primarily from the large Al-Dulaim tribal confederation, which includes major clans like the Albu Ali and Albu Faraj. Following the sectarian violence of the Iraq War and the occupation by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the city's demographic fabric was altered, with some displacement of residents. Recent estimates suggest a population nearing 900,000, as many families have returned during the reconstruction phase. The city is also home to a small number of Iraqi Turkmen and other minority groups.

Economy

Traditionally, the economy has been based on agriculture, utilizing water from the Euphrates River to cultivate dates, grains, and vegetables. The city was historically known for its production of wool and textiles. In the latter half of the 20th century, it gained importance as an administrative and services center for Al Anbar Governorate. The conflicts of the 2000s and 2010s devastated the local economy, destroying infrastructure like the Ramadi Dam and key government buildings. Current economic activity is focused on reconstruction projects, trade along the Baghdad-Jordan highway, and revitalizing public sector employment.

Culture

As a major center for the Al-Dulaim tribe, the city upholds strong traditions of Arab tribal customs and poetry. It is known for its distinctive music and mawwal vocal performances. The annual Ramadi Festival celebrates local heritage, crafts, and equestrian shows. Culturally, it has produced notable figures like poet Muthaffar al-Nawab and has been a significant center for Sunni religious scholarship. The city's architecture, heavily damaged in recent conflicts, included historic Ottoman-era buildings and the prominent Anbar University.

Government

The city serves as the provincial capital of Al Anbar Governorate, housing the headquarters of the Governor of Al Anbar and the Anbar Provincial Council. Local administration is divided into several municipal districts, with a mayor overseeing services. Security is managed by the Iraqi Federal Police, the Iraqi Army's Anbar Operations Command, and local tribal militias integrated into the state's security apparatus. The city's representation in the Council of Representatives of Iraq is secured through the Anbar Governorate electoral district.

Category:Populated places in Al Anbar Governorate Category:Cities in Iraq Category:Ramadi