Al-ʿAmārah

Iraq

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Article History

Al-ʿAmārah, city, capital of Maysān muḥāfaẓah (governorate), southeastern Iraq. Situated on a low ridge beside the Tigris River, it is Iraq’s chief port on that waterway south of Baghdad. It is a trade centre for agricultural produce, livestock, wool, and hides and is known for weaving and silverware. In World War I it was captured by the British during their 1915 Mesopotamia campaign. Before 1958 Al-ʿAmārah was an outstanding example of autocratic rule by sheikhs, who owned large estates in this rice-growing area and also maintained large private armies. After the overthrow of the monarchy, land distribution gradually became more democratic. Pop. (2003 est.) 325,000.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.