Qarachatan (Kurdish: قەرەچەتان) is a Kurdish village located at the foot of Mount Piramagrun in the Sulaymaniyah Governorate of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq. Qarachatan is renowned for its archaeological significance, particularly the Rabana-Merquly site, a major regional center of the Parthian Empire. Situated on the western flank of Mount Piramagrun, the Parthian-era complex at Rabana-Merquly consists of two settlements linked by an extensive network of perimeter fortifications.

One of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Qarachatan is the Stela of Iddi-Sin, King of Simurrum. Dating back to the Old-Babylonian Period, the Stela is currently on display at the Sulaymaniyah Museum.

Notable individuals from Qarachatan include Karim Sharif Qarachatani, a psychologist, television personality, and author renowned for hosting talk shows. Karzan Kardozi, a filmmaker best known for the film Where Is Gilgamesh?, is another prominent figure from the region.

As of 2020, the population of Qarachatan is estimated to be around 155 residents.

Gallery

  • Stela of Iddi-Sin, King of Simurrum, Old-Babylonian Period
  • The rock-relief at Rabana-Merquly
  • The sites of Rabana-Merquly near Qarachatan village
  • Position of the rock-relief at Rabana-Merquly
  • The rock-relief at Rabana-Merquly
  • Detail of the rock-relief at Rabana-Merquly
  • Piramagrun Mountain overlooking Qarachatan Village