Halabja

Halabja is a city in Iraqi Kurdistan and the capital of Halabja Governorate. It is about 446 mi northeast of Baghdad and 9 mi from the Iranian border and it was established in 2014, splitting off from Sulaymaniyah Governorate and becoming the fourth governorate in Northern Iraq. Halabja is quite a dreary town, understandable given its history, however it is a bustling place with a market area and attractive parks on the outskirts of the city. People are very friendly; many come to pay their respect at the national monument for the victims of the Halabja gassing. Nevertheless, many have yet to discover Halabja’s natural beauty and various types of fruit and vegetation. The local people are pleased and welcoming to foreigners.

By bus
From Sulaimania directly leaving from Halabja Garage, near Family Mall. Make sure the minibus goes to "old" Halabja (Halabja Shaheed) and not to "new" Halabja (Halabja Taza). You can get off next to the monument or walk back from the garage. The bus fare is 3500 IQD.

By taxi
From Sulaimania directly.

Stay safe
See the warning on the Iraq article for information on the security situation.

Go next

 * Sulaymaniyah is an easy 1-1½ hour drive. Described as the center of education and culture in Kurdistan. The city features the best museums in Iraqi Kurdistan, good hotels and a number of pleasant parks including Chavvy Land.