Hulvan

Hulvan is an ancient city, described as "a large and important city" in Islamic-era geographical sources, located on the border of the Iraq and Cibal (Irak-ı Acem) regions. Its population consists of Arabs, Persians, and Kurds. The city, conquered during the time of Ömer b. Hattâb, was considered one of the Cebel provinces, and its kharaj was included in the kharaj of the Sevad regions (Cilt 2, s. 13).

Discussion on Regional Affiliation

Hulvan's location on the border between the Iraq and Cibal regions led to disagreement among geographers regarding which region it should be considered part of. Due to its geographical features as a mountainous place, resembling the Cibal region more than Iraq, some considered it part of Iraq, while others considered it within the Cibal region. It is recorded that the city's inhabitants consisted of Arabs and 'acem, as well as Persians and Kurds (Cilt 2, s. 93).

Hulvan as a Border Criterion

Hulvan is also used as a border criterion in administrative and geographical descriptions. Kalkaşendî, when defining the borders of a region, took the border of Iraq, Hulvan, and Cezîre from the south as a basis (Cilt 2, s. 60). Similarly, when defining the eastern border of Iraq, the phrase "borders of the Cibal region up to Hulvan" was used (Cilt 2, s. 70). Kasr-ı Şirin, named after Şirin, the beloved of Sâsânî Kisrası Perviz, is also located near Hemedan and Hulvan (Cilt 2, s. 90).

Annâzî Dynasty

The Annâzîs, a Kurdish dynasty, ruled in the Cibal region, including Hulvan, between the years 381-511/990-1171. The founder of the dynasty is Ebü'l-Feth Muhammed b. 'Annâz eş-Şâzencânî el-Kürdî (Cilt 1, s. 141).