Residents of the Qorya district in Kirkuk describe the areaas one of the city’s most prominent historic and commercial neighborhoods,maintaining its social and economic relevance over generations.
Abbas Quriyali, a resident, said the market in Qorya isconstantly busy, attracting people from all over the city, adding that the area“reflects the coexistence of Kirkuk’s diverse communities, and many familieshave long-standing ties to the market.”
Another resident, Mohammed Omar, emphasized the market’seconomic role, saying it provides jobs for many young people, shop owners, andstreet vendors. “Simplicity and its popular character are what make it unique.”
Metin Cengiz, also a local, described Qorya as “Kirkuk’strue artery, uniting Turkmen, Kurds, and Arabs in one neighborhood,”highlighting the district’s longstanding social cohesion.
Architectural expert Abdulrahman Ali noted that Qorya isamong Kirkuk’s oldest neighborhoods, with traditional architectural featuresreflecting the city’s identity and history. He stressed the need for carefullyplanned urban development that preserves its heritage while meeting residents’needs. “The district still has traditional houses, markets, woodenlattices, balconies, and narrow alleys,” Ali said, pointing out that theinfrastructure is aging and heavily trafficked. He also added that a recentbuilding collapse, which killed one young woman and injured four, underscoresthe urgent need for rehabilitation. Ali emphasized that preserving historic neighborhoodsrequires comprehensive planning, including engineering and public serviceimprovements to ensure safety while maintaining the area’s historicalcharacter.
The market remains lively from early morning through the evening,with vendors’ voices mingling with shoppers, reflecting the district’s vibrantstreet life. Many residents from surrounding neighborhoods rely on Qorya dailydue to its variety and affordable prices.
Kirkuk Provincial Council member Ahmed Ramzi Kuberlo toldShafaq News that the council works to preserve the neighborhood’s architecturalstyle as part of the city’s heritage, while implementing infrastructureprojects including road paving and essential service improvements. “Caring for historic and popular areas is part of ourbroader plan to safeguard Kirkuk’s urban and social identity.”
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