The Sinjar Mountains, are a 100-kilometre-long (62 mi) mountain range that runs east to west, rising above the surrounding alluvial steppe plains in northwestern Iraq to an elevation of 1,463 meters (4,800 ft). The highest segment of these mountains, about 75 km (47 mi) long, lies in the Nineveh Governorate. The western and lower segment of these mountains lies in Syria and is about 25 km (16 mi) long. The city of Sinjar is just south of the range. These mountains are regarded as sacred by the Yazidis.
Terrace farming on Sinjar mountains
A Yazidi shepherd on Mount Sinjar
Sinjar is a town in the Sinjar District of the Nineveh Governorate in northern Iraq. It is located about five kilometers south of the Sinjar Mountains. Its population in 2013 was estimated at 88,023, and is predominantly Yazidi.
Sinjar in 2019
Coin of Qutb al-Din, the Zengid ruler of Sinjar in 1197–1219, with representation of Roman Emperor Caracalla, Sinjar mint 1199.
Coin of Qutb al-Din Muhammad bin Zengi, Zengid Atabeg of Sinjar (1197–1219). Sinjar mint. Dated AH 607 (AD 1210-1).
The important Chermera temple (meaning '40 Men') is found on the highest peak of the Sinjar Mountains.