Title: Touristic Geomorphology of the Aqoyan Valley Basin in Erbil Governorate
Researcher: Abdullah Imad Abdullah
Department: Geography, Natural Geography Specialization
Institution: College of Education Ibn Rushd for Humanities, University of Baghdad
Thesis Defense Committee:
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Chair: Prof. Dr. Yousif Mohammed Ali
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Supervisor & Member: Prof. Dr. Zainab Wanas Khudair
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Members: Asst. Prof. Dr. Nagham Mansour Ubaid
& Asst. Prof. Dr. Ameer Hadi Jadou (external member from University of Babylon / College of Basic Education)
Objectives of the Study:
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To highlight the region’s natural tourism potential and its role in attracting visitors.
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To identify the key geomorphological features influencing tourism activity.
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To examine the obstacles hindering tourism and propose plans to develop the tourism sector.
Key Findings:
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Natural factors such as location, area, topography, water resources, vegetation, and climate play a crucial role in shaping the governorate’s tourism development strategy.
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These elements help in forming a distinct touristic identity for the region, surpassing other economic and political aspects.
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The study relied on climate data from the Soran and Shaqlawa stations covering a 31-year period (1991–2022), showing close similarities in temperature ranges and precipitation levels.
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The area experiences frequent snowfall, especially on mountain peaks, slopes, and passes—adding a unique touristic value. However, heavy snow can also hinder movement by blocking roads, thus affecting visitor access.
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Despite the natural appeal, the region suffers from low tourist turnout, indicating a lack of effective utilization of its climatic and natural features.
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The study attributes this shortfall to the absence of infrastructure and tourism programs necessary to support the area’s potential.