Draft:Souq Al-Shuyukh

Souq al-Shuyukh is an Iraqi city and district center situated within the borders of Dhi Qar Governorate in southern Iraq. It served as the capital of the Al-Muntafiq Emirate for over a century, encompassing the majority of urban and rural settlements in southern and central Iraq. These included Muslim Arab, non-Muslim, and Jewish communities, as well as Sabians and Christians.

Location of Souq al-Shuyukh
Is an Iraqi cities, distinguished by its social openness and urban features, which foster a vibrant intellectual movement in poetry and literature. It is situated in an area that has been shaped by the legacy of Sumerian civilization. The Sumerians designated it as Suk Maru, which translates to "market of the wise." Its ruins, Eshan, are situated in southern Iraq and are representative of the numerous extinct Sumerian cities in the region. The narrators posit that the Souq al-Shuyukh originated on a vast elevation of land or a sizable hill, situated on one of the ancient Sumerian ishin. This location was deemed optimal for the exchange of diverse commodities, earning it the moniker "hill of lions." Subsequently, numerous commercial establishments were erected on this site, constructed with mud or reeds.

Subsequently, the market was renamed Nawashi Market, which may be a corruption of the word (Mawashi) or derived from an ancient local appellation. Nawashi, as Abdul Razzaq al-Hasani posits, is a tribe of Bani Asad clans. The members of this tribe previously procured their sustenance and attire from the market before embarking for the desert. Upon the Saadun family's arrival in this market during the tenure of Abdullah al-Mohammad al-Man'a, the brother of Saadun, the market subsequently became known as the Souq al-Shuyukh, a designation that reflected the Saaduns' status as the leaders of Al-Muntafiq. Upon assuming the role of sheikh over Al-Muntafiq in 1175 AH-1761 AD, Thuwaini al-Abdullah al-Saadun directed the necessary repairs to be made to this market. In Iraqi Investigations, Yaqoub Sarkis states that the Souq al-Shuyukh was not constructed until after 1781-1196 AH. This indicates that the market served as a fixed center for the activities of the aforementioned sheikhs, a storehouse for their ammunition, and a fortified refuge to which they could retreat in case of necessity. For this purpose, he devised a plan for a building on the right bank of the Euphrates, situated 35 kilometers west of Nasiriyah. At the time, the Ottoman government was engaged in efforts to promote urbanization in southern Iraq with the objective of reducing the influence of tribal structures and encouraging the urbanization of chiefs and sheikhs. The governor, Midhat Pasha, seized the opportunity to establish the Al-Muntafiq Brigade and designate Souq al-Shuyukh as a district center affiliated with it from 7,128 AH to 1870 AD. The city continued to flourish and expand, becoming a major urban center with a population of approximately ten thousand individuals from the Najdi and Iraqi communities who had migrated there to pursue economic opportunities.

A number of mosques were constructed during the Ottoman period, including the Souq al-Shuyukh Mosque, which remains the oldest extant historical monument in the city.

As economic and social activity expanded, so too did the area of permanent housing. This was accompanied by an influx of merchants and artisans to the city, which saw the establishment of shops based on a familiar Islamic city model. These shops were divided on the basis of tribal or regional affiliations. For example, the Najada locality is associated with the Najidis, who are believed to have migrated from Najd across the desert. The Baghada locality is linked to those who originated from Baghdad. The Hawizeh locality is associated with migrants from Ahwaz and its surrounding areas. The four localities in question were situated in close proximity to one another on the hillside above the city. During the Ottoman era, the area was fortified with walls and gates, which were opened for the first time. This event is referred to as the "Qul," a term derived from the Arabic plural of "Qulah." In accordance with Midhat Pasha's mandate, which subsequently became known as the Souq al-Shuyukh district in 1870 AD, Hussein Pasha was appointed as its governor.

In the twentieth century, it expanded. Across the river is the Sabian community, who came from Maysan and the Amara district with a large number of craftsmen, who worked in blacksmithing, carpentry, metalworking, jewelry, and canoe-making, revitalizing the city and making it productive. There is also the Ismailia locality in the western lowlands of the city.

The first Iraqi governor appointed following the formation of the Iraqi state in 1921 was Saleh Al-Hajjaj. The city has retained the names of landmarks that have disappeared, such as Khan al-Ajam, which was inhabited by Iranians until the appointment of an honorary consul of the Iranian government, Mohammad Ali Behbahani. Upon passing the alleyway at its inception, situated in the Najada locality and leading to Dar al-Arfaj, one encounters vestiges of the synagogue. Moreover, the local populace still recalls the rabbi, Eliyahu Ya'qub al-Qamash. Souq al-Shuyukh was a prominent center of activity during the Iraqi Revolt. Among its notable figures who played a role in the revolution were Sheikh Baqir Haider and Sheikh Muhammad Hassan Haider, both of whom were well-known within the region.

In 1935, the uprising in the city was in support of the events that had transpired in the Middle Euphrates region. Abdul Razzaq al-Hasani, in his account of the period, describes the city as a dense, palm-fringed landscape, characterised by swampy terrain and poor air quality, which had a detrimental impact on the health of the inhabitants. In recent years, especially in 1935, the administrative authorities undertook extensive modifications to the area, cutting down a significant portion of the palm trees and transforming some of the surrounding swamps into public parks, gardens, and buildings. The environmental situation improved, and the health situation showed signs of recovery. Subsequently, he initiated the construction of an electricity and water project and a bridge across the river, with the objective of facilitating passage. It was situated in Souq al-Shuyukh, an ancient market that was incinerated by revolutionary forces during the 1935 insurrection and subsequently reconstructed at the initiative of its proprietors. In the 1950s, a number of government departments were established in the market, including those responsible for the police, financial administration, title deeds, the court, schools, and an employee's club.

Name
The city was named Souq al-Shuyukh, which translates to "market of the sheikhs," due to its designation as a commercial center in the region. The appellation "Al-Shuyukh" is derived from its founder, the ruler of the Emirate of Al-Muntafiq, Prince Thuwaini bin Abdullah. At the time of the city's establishment, his family, the Al Saadoun, also known as the Al Shabib, was the sheikh family of the tribes comprising the Al-Muntafiq Federation, a prominent confederation encompassing numerous tribes and clans in southern and central Iraq. The sons of Prince Thuwaini held the title "Sheikh of the Sheikhs of the Al-Muntafiq."

Reasons for establishing
The city of Suq al-Shuyukh was established by Emir Thuwaini bin Abdullah of the Saadoun family, who were the rulers of the Emirate of Al-Muntafiq and its tribal princes. It was developed as an economic hub for the tribes in southern Iraq and northern and central Arabia. The merchants of Suq al-Shuyukh were the most affluent among their counterparts in southern and central Iraq and northern Arabia. The Saadoun family exercised considerable economic influence over the region's trade activities. The establishment of the city of Souk al-Shuyukh was motivated by two key factors:

Economic reason
Prince Thuwaini bin Abdullah played a pivotal role in the establishment of the city of Suq al-Shuyukh as an economic hub in the region. This strategic move enabled his family, the Al Saadun, to exert control over tribal trade within their domains in southern and central Iraq, as well as in other parts of Iraq and in Arabia. The city's economic prominence was largely attributable to the financial support provided by Prince Thuwaini bin Abdullah to local merchants. These loans facilitated the control of regional trade and attracted significant merchants from across the Arabian Peninsula to the city, where they established residence. In an article published in The Tongue of the Arabic magazine in 1912 AD, the historian and journalist Sulaiman bin Saleh al-Dakhil al-Najdimentions his research on the city of Souq al-Shuyukh, which he conducted prior to the First World War. Sheikh Thuwaini would provide the merchants of al-Shuyukh with hundreds of silver and gold coins in the form of a loan, which they would then utilize to their advantage and subsequently return to him when necessary. This was done in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement, which stipulated that the Sheikh could request the coins back at any time or demand compensation for their return.

Political reason
In numerous published articles, Mr. Iyad Ali al-Hasani posits that the primary rationale behind Emir Thuwaini bin Abdullah's decision to establish the city as the capital of the Emirate of Al-Muntafiq, rather than the erstwhile capital, Al-Arja, was to facilitate its ascension as the new capital of the Emirate. In his account of his travels in Iraq in 1797 AD, the English traveler Jackson makes reference to the city of Souq al-Shuyukh, which he passed through on his journey from Basra to Baghdad via the Euphrates. British Notes on Iraq, 1797, p. 52: Souq al-Shuyukh is a sizable and densely populated city. It serves as the seat of Sheikh Thuwaini, a prominent Arab prince, who exercises authority over the right bank of the Euphrates, spanning from Hillah to Basra. On one occasion, he openly rebelled against the Ottoman government and seized control of the city of Basra.

Ancient history of the region
The city was known to the Sumerians as Suk Maru, as referenced by journalist Mutamad Faris al-Salhi in his account of the Souq al-Shuyukh, or the market of the sage. Its ruins, Ishan, are among the many extinct Sumerian cities in southern Iraq. The narrators posit that Souq Al-Shuyukh originated on a broad elevation of land or a sizable hill on one of the ancient Sumerian yishin, where some merchants from the proximate countryside discovered it to be the optimal venue for the exchange of assorted commodities. It was subsequently designated as the hill of lions and, following the erection of numerous shops constructed from mud or reeds, it came to be known as Souq Al-Shuyukh.

History of the city of Souq Al-Shuyukh during the Al-Muntafiq Emirate, 1530 AD - 1918 AD
The market was renamed Souq Al-Nawashi, which may be a variation of the word Mawashi or an old local name. According to Abdul Razzaq al-Hasani, the Nawashi are a tribe from the Banu Asad tribe, which is one of the tribes of the Emirate of Al-Muntafiq. Prior to their departure for the desert, members of this tribe would purchase food and clothing from that market. Upon the Saadun family's arrival in this market during the reign of Prince Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Mana, the market subsequently became known as the market of the sheikhs. This was due to the Saaduns' status as the sheikhs of Al-Muntafiq, which entitled them to a position of leadership within the community. Upon ascending to the position of Sheikh over the tribes of the Emirate of Al-Muntafiq in 1175 AH (1761 AD), Prince Thuwaini bin Abdullah al-Saadoun initiated a process of regularization of the market. In his work, Iraqi Investigations, Jacob Sarkis posits that Souq al-Shuyukh was not constructed until after 1781 AD (1196 AH). He suggests that it served as a fixed center for the missions of the aforementioned sheikhs, a storehouse for their ammunition, and a fortified shelter to which they could retreat in times of need. For this purpose, a building was designed and constructed on the right bank of the Euphrates, situated 35 kilometers west of Nasiriyah. In his book Al-Tahfah Al-Nabhaniya Fi Tarikh Al-Arabia, Al-Nabhani makes a reference to this topic. "The initial decision to select this location was made by Sheikh Thuwaini bin Abdullah, the leader of the Al-Muntafiq, during the period of his emirate, which encompassed regions from Al-Gharaf to Basra and extended towards Kuwait. As a result of his considerable influence over numerous tribes in Iraq and Najd. In his military campaigns, he was accompanied by a mobile market. The encampment comprises tents in which merchants and sellers reside in close proximity to the Arab troops. The market is established and displays the necessary items for their livelihood, including clothing, utensils, and furniture. They engage in the exchange of lint, wool, oil, and other resources. Such a market persists to this day among the nomadic tribes. The clans of Sheikh Thuwaini sought to establish a permanent market for them near the Euphrates. Sheikh Thuwaini directed the proprietors of his itinerant market to remain in the vicinity of Souq al-Shuyukh, a decision influenced by the quality of the local water and the abundance of pastureland. From this point onward, the market was developed and attributed to him". The sheikhdom was ultimately bestowed upon Prince Hamoud bin Thamer al-Saad. During this period, the Ottoman government was engaged in efforts to advance the urbanization movement in southern Iraq, with the objective of undermining tribal influence and promoting the civilizing of chiefs and sheikhs. The governor, Midhat Pasha, seized the opportunity to establish the Muntafaq Brigade and designate Souq al-Shuyukh as a district center affiliated with it in 1287 AH (1870 AD). This initiative contributed to the city's continued growth and expansion, leading to its transformation into a sizable urban center with a population of approximately ten thousand individuals from Baharna and Iraq, who had migrated from various locations in search of economic opportunities.

As economic and social activity expanded, so too did the area of permanent housing. This was accompanied by an influx of merchants and artisans to the city, which saw the establishment of shops based on a familiar Islamic city model. These shops were divided on the basis of tribal or regional affiliations. For example, the Baharna locality was named after the Baharna people, who originated from Bahrain on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. Similarly, the Baghada locality was named after the Baghada people, who originated from Baghdad. This is the Hawizeh locality for those who migrated from Ahwaz and its surrounding areas, as well as the Hadar locality and its residents who came from various cities and some of the countryside adjacent to the city. These four shops were situated adjacent to the hill on top of the city, which was walled and opened doors in the Ottoman era. This structure is referred to as (Qul) plural (Qulah), and it is located in the state of Midhat Pasha. In 1870 AD, the district was renamed Souk al-Shuyukh and became the responsibility of Midhat Pasha. Hussein Pasha was subsequently appointed as its mayor. During the twentieth century, it experienced significant growth. The Sabian community, which originated from Maysan and Amara, is situated on the opposite bank of the river. It comprises a significant number of skilled artisans specialising in diverse trades, including blacksmithing, carpentry, and metalwork such as jewellery and canoe-making. Their presence has contributed to the revitalisation of the city, fostering economic growth and productivity. Additionally, the city's western lowlands encompass the Ismailia neighborhood.

Recent history of Souk Al-Shuyukh
During the 1930s and 1940s, the city underwent significant social and political transformations, becoming increasingly open and embracing communism. This led to a flourishing of intellectual activity and the emergence of tensions between a conservative establishment and a revolutionary, liberated faction. The city was regarded as sectarian and politically opposed to the Ba'athist authority, resulting in its subsequent neglect and decline.

The city has produced numerous notable figures in the scientific and social realms, including Drs. Abdul Qader al-Yousef, Hassan al-Hadawi, Talib al-Talqani, Helmi al-Hamdi, Abu Talib Muhammad Saeed, and others. Also, Ammar al-Hamdi, Muhammad Ali al-Eid, Abdel Fattah al-Mutlaq, Dr. Adel al-Shaher, Hassan Yousef al-Najjar, Khazal Dhiab, singer Nasser Hakim, and poet Hamdi al-Hamdi.

Population
By the late 19th century, Souk Al-Shuyukh has a population of 12,000.

Mosques
Souq al-Shuyukh area is home to a number of historically significant mosques, including:


 * Souq al-Shuyoukh Mosque is a notable landmark in the city. The edifice was constructed in 1210 AH/1795 AD, during the era of the Ottoman Empire, at the expense of the Saadoun family.
 * Najada Mosque was constructed in 1214 AH/1800 AD, during the reign of the Ottoman Empire, at the expense of the Najada clan.
 * Thuwaini Al-Saadoun Mosque was constructed by Sheikh Thuwaini Al-Saadoun in 1201 AH/1786 AD, during the Ottoman period, and is currently known as the Al-Safa Mosque.
 * In the year 1308 AH, the Khamisiyah Mosque was constructed by Sheikh Faleh Pasha al-Saadoun, the leader of the Al-Muntafiq Brigade. In his historical account, Al-Zubairi Ibn Al-Ghamlas states that Faleh al-Saadoun constructed a mosque on the site. The mosque was situated on a street that was distinguished from the remainder of the city's streets by its rectilinearity. The mosque was renowned for its imposing minaret, which was further remarkable for its apparent inclination towards the west. This, along with the Al-Khamis Palace, made it one of the most celebrated monuments in southern Iraq at the time. Faleh Pasha enlisted the services of a skilled mason named Sabaa to construct the minaret. Additionally, Faleh Pasha appointed a muezzin named Suleiman al-Musaffar, a blind individual who ascended the arduous spiral minaret five times daily without exhibiting fatigue.
 * Ali al-Akbar Mosque.
 * Zahraa Mosque and Husseiniya.
 * Ismailia Mosque.

Notable figures

 * Mustafa Jamal al-Din.
 * Salem Hussein Al-Amir.
 * Wahid Khayon.
 * Muhammad Zimam al-Sadun.
 * Baha al-Din al-Rawas.
 * Abdulghani Aldali.
 * Saleh Sulaiman Hamad Al-Arfaj.
 * Salman Khakani.