HAKKARI

Hakkari: translation

Hakkari was a prominent mountainous Kurdishemiratefor more than 500 years until its lastmirwas deposed in the middle of the 19th century. For much of its history it was a frontier area between theOttomanandIranian empires. Since 1534, however, Hakkari nominally belonged to the Ottomans.

At its height, Hakkari covered the present Turkish provinces of Hakkari and Van and even stretched into what is now northernIraq.

Hakkari's ruling family claimed descent from the Abbasid caliphs and at times coined its own money and had its names read in the Islamic ceremony of thekhutba, acts signifying full independence. Themirsresided in the towns of Van and Colemerik (which is now called Hakkari).

Over the years, however, Hakkari had a checkered history. Until World War I, a large NestorianChristianorAssyrianminority also lived in Hakkari. Half of these Christians were peasants subservient to the Kurds, but the other half were organized intotribesand were noted fighters. Presently, Hakkari is the most sparsely populated province ofTurkeyand very poor economically.