Country Iraq Population 971,400 (Jan 7, 2011) University University of Misan Area 16,072 km2 | Capital Amarah | |
Maysan Governorate (Arabic: ?) (or Maysan Province) is a province in southeastern Iraq, bordering Iran. The provincial capital, located beside the Tigris, is Amarah. The second settlement is Majar Al-Kabir. Prior to 1976 the province was known as Amara Province.
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Map of Maysan Governorate
Maysan is a majority Shia province. Its population suffered greatly during the Iran–Iraq War, during which it was a major battlefield, and subsequently post the 1991 Shia Uprising. The province is traditionally home to many Marsh Arabs.
Provincial Government
As of 2007, the governor was Adil Muhawdar Radi [1] Preceded by Muhammad Shiya al-Sudani.
The current governor is Ali Dawai Lazem, a supporter of Muqtada al-Sadr. He is the only provincial governor in Iraq belonging to the Sadrist Movement. Though he is a Shia, he is a non-sectarian and has said, "It doesnt make a difference if you are Sunni or Shiite or Christian. I dont differentiate between anyone." He has been called Iraqs most popular politician.
The provincial government of Maysan has been more successful than others in Iraq in delivering public services. According to the New York Times, "Roads are being paved, new sewage systems installed and residents now enjoy electricity for up to 22 hours a day, far more than in Baghdad."
Name
This region was called Messene ??????? by Ancient Greeks (Strabo), Mays?h?an in Syriac. Mes?h?an in Middle Persian, Mes?h?un in Armenian, Maysan in Arabic, and T’iao-tche (Chaldaea) in the Han sources. The earliest references are from the first century AD.