As-Samawah is a city located in the Muthanna governorate in southern Iraq. The city is situated on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River, approximately 280 km south of the capital Baghdad. The city's name means "the place of rest," and it is said to have been founded in the 16th century by a group of Bedouin tribes who were looking for a permanent settlement.
The city has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times. Archaeological excavations in the area have revealed that the city was inhabited as early as the third millennium BC during the Sumerian period. During the Babylonian era, the city was known as "Sippar-Amnanum" and was a major center of worship for the god Shamash. Later, during the Islamic Golden Age, the city was a thriving center of learning and scholarship.
As-Samawah has a population of approximately 300,000 people, according to the most recent estimates. The majority of the population is Arab, with a small number of Kurds and Turkmen also living in the city. The city's economy is primarily based on agriculture, with wheat, barley, and dates being the main crops grown in the area.
The political environment and geography of the city have had a significant impact on its history. During the Ottoman Empire, As-Samawah was part of the vilayet (province) of Basra, which was one of the four vilayets that made up Iraq at the time. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the city became part of the newly created state of Iraq, which was under British mandate until 1932.
In more recent history, the city has been affected by the political instability and violence that has plagued Iraq since the 2003 U.S. invasion. As-Samawah has been the site of several attacks by extremist groups, including a suicide bombing in 2013 that killed dozens of people. Despite this, the city has remained relatively stable compared to other parts of the country.
As-Samawah is a city with a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Its location on the banks of the Euphrates River and its proximity to other major cities in southern Iraq have made it an important center of commerce and culture throughout the centuries. While the city has faced its share of challenges in recent years, its people remain resilient and committed to building a better future for themselves and their families.