Ottoman Iraq

Ottoman Iraq (العراق العثماني) refers to the period of the history of Iraq when the region was ruled by the Ottoman Empire (1534–1920; with an interlude from 1704 to 1831 From Independence under the Mamluk state of Iraq). Before reforms (1534–1704), Iraq was divided into four Eyalets (provinces): Ottoman Iraq was later (1831–1920) divided into the three vilayets (provinces):
 * Baghdad Eyalet
 * Shahrizor Eyalet
 * Basra Eyalet
 * Mosul Eyalet
 * Mosul Vilayet
 * Baghdad Vilayet
 * Basra Vilayet



During World War I, an invasion of the region was undertaken by British Empire forces and was known as the Mesopotamian campaign. Fighting commenced with the Battle of Basra in 1914 and continued for the duration of the war. The most notable action was the siege of Kut, which resulted in the surrender of the British and British Indian Army garrison of the town in April 1916, after a siege of 147 days.