WHY MITTANI

                                                             

Mittani Journal of Humanitarian Sciences

WHY MITTANI ?                                                                  Prepared by: Dr Botan M. Al hadad

The Mittani Empire (c. 1500–1300 BCE), a Hurrian-speaking kingdom, flourished in the region now known as Kurdistan and parts of northern Mesopotamia. Centered around its capital, Washokanni, the Mittani controlled key trade routes and fertile lands between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Known for their advanced chariotry and influence in ancient Near Eastern politics, the Mittani maintained relations with Egypt, the Hittites, and Assyria. Despite falling to the Assyrians, their cultural and political influence persisted in the region.

The Mittani Empire's historical roots are often linked to Greater Kurdistan due to the overlap in territory. The Mittani heartland, including Washukanni, was located near the Khabur River in modern Kurdish-majority areas, such as South Kurdsiatn (Iraqi Kurdistan), West Kurdistan (Syrian Kurdistan), North Kurdistan (Turkish Kurdistan), and East Kurdistan (Iranian Kurdistan). Along that time period the Hurrian culture contributed to the ethnic and cultural mosaic that shaped Kurdish identity. The Mittani's control over strategic trade routes mirrors the historical importance of Kurdistan as a crossroads for civilizations, with continued struggles for autonomy, similar to the Kurdish region's own history.

Modern cities like Kirkuk (Arrapha) and Sarikani (Serê Kaniyê\Washukani) reflect the enduring legacy of the Mittani. The name Arrapha, an ancient Mittani city, is preserved in Kirkuk, highlighting the region's historical significance. Washokanni's geographical link to Sarikani in Syria\West Kurdistan further strengthens the connection, as both cities share linguistic and cultural ties, with "Washokani" and "Serê Kaniyê" both meaning "source of water or Spring." Today, Sarikani remains part of Kurdish-majority regions, reinforcing the historical and cultural continuity of the Mittani in modern Kurdish identity.

The Mittani legacy is part of the broader historical narrative of Kurdish lands, contributing to their claim to ancestral territories.