Definition

Proper noun: * An autonomous region: "Iraqi Kurdistan" refers to the officially recognized autonomous region located in the northern part of Iraq. It is inhabited predominantly by Kurds and has its own regional government.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Iraqi Kurdistan has its own parliament and military forces, known as the Peshmerga.
  • The capital of Iraqi Kurdistan is Erbil.
  • Many tourists visit Iraqi Kurdistan to see its ancient citadels and mountains.

Advanced Usage

• "The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI)": This is the official constitutional name for the autonomous entity. "Iraqi Kurdistan" is a common geographical and political term used synonymously.
  • The Kurdistan Region of Iraq and the federal government in Baghdad have ongoing discussions about oil revenue sharing.

Variants and Related Words

• Kurdistan (proper noun): A larger, mountainous region historically inhabited by Kurds, spanning parts of Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Syria. "Iraqi Kurdistan" is a portion of this greater geographical and cultural area.
• Kurdish (adjective): Relating to the Kurds or their language.
  • She studies Kurdish history and culture.

Synonyms

• The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI): Official synonym.
• Southern Kurdistan (less common): A term used from a Kurdish nationalist perspective to denote the part of Kurdistan within Iraq's borders.

Related Phrases

• The Peshmerga: The military forces of the Kurdistan Regional Government.
  • The Peshmerga played a key role in the fight against ISIS.
• The Green Line: The de facto boundary separating from the rest of Iraq following the 1991 Gulf War.

Noun

1. the part of Kurdistan that is in northwestern Iraq