Iraq Diyala is a province located in the eastern part of Iraq. It is bordered by Baghdad and Salah ad Din to the west, Iran to the east, and the provinces of Wasit, Karbala, and Babylon to the south. The province is home to a diverse population of Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen, and other ethnic groups. Diyala has a long and complex history, with its roots stretching back thousands of years.
The earliest evidence of human habitation in Diyala dates back to the Ubaid period, around 4500 BC. During this period, the area was populated by nomadic tribes who lived a largely pastoral lifestyle. In around 3200 BC, the Sumerians began to settle in the area, introducing agriculture and the beginnings of urbanization. The Sumerians were replaced by the Akkadians in around 2300 BC, who ruled the area until the collapse of their empire in around 2000 BC.
Following the fall of the Akkadian Empire, the area was ruled by a succession of empires, including the Babylonians, Assyrians, and Persians. During this period, Diyala was an important trade route connecting Mesopotamia with the civilizations of the Indus Valley. The area was also an important center for religious worship, with many temples and shrines built during this period.
In the 7th century AD, Diyala came under the control of the Islamic Caliphate. During this period, the area was largely peaceful and prosperous, with many towns and cities emerging. This period of stability came to an end in the 11th century, when the area was conquered by the Seljuk Turks. The Seljuks were replaced by the Mongols in the 13th century, who were in turn replaced by the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century.
During the Ottoman period, Diyala was part of the Baghdad Vilayet, and was largely left to its own devices. The area became increasingly isolated, and its economy suffered as a result. In the early 20th century, the area was occupied by the British, who sought to modernize the region. Following the end of British rule in 1932, Diyala fell under the control of the Iraqi government.
In recent years, Diyala has been the site of much violence and conflict. The US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 led to a period of instability in the region, with insurgent groups and militias vying for control. This period of violence has largely subsided in recent years, and the area is slowly returning to a state of relative peace and stability.
Despite its troubled past, Diyala remains an important region of Iraq. The area is home to a diverse population, and its rich cultural heritage makes it a popular tourist destination. The area is also home to important archaeological sites, including the ancient city of Uruk, which dates back to the Sumerian period. As Iraq continues to rebuild and recover, Diyala is sure to play an important role in the country's future.