Convert middleeast dunum to square meter easily.
1 dn x 1,000 = 1,000 m²
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When dealing with land purchases in Beirut or agricultural planning in Amman, you'll often hear locals mention "dunums" – that traditional unit that leaves metric-system users scratching their heads. Our converter bridges this gap instantly, but stick around to learn why this unit persists centuries after teh Ottoman Empire and how to avoid costly measurement mistakes.
Unit definitions
What is a dunum (dn)?
Description: A traditional land area unit rooted in the Ottoman Empire, still widely used across the Middle East
Symbol: dn
Common uses: Land measurement for real estate, agriculture, and property taxes
Definition: Varies regionally – typically 900-2500 m², with 1000 m² becoming standard in many areas
What is a square meter (m²)?
Description: The SI standard unit for area measurement
Symbol: m²
Common uses: International real estate, construction, and scientific applications
Definition: Area of a square with 1-meter sides (1 m × 1 m)
Conversion formula
Standard conversion (1 dn = 1000 m²):
Dunum to m²: Multiply dn value by 1000
m² to Dunum: Divide m² value by 1000
Regional variation example (Iraq):
1 Iraqi dn = 2500 m² → Multiply by 2500 instead
Example calculations
- Converting 5 Jordanian dunums:
5 dn × 1000 = 5000 m²
That's equivalent to 12.35 acres – perfect for olive groves! - Converting 800 m² to standard dunums:
800 m² ÷ 1000 = 0.8 dn
A typical residential plot in Damascus suburbs
Conversion tables
Dunum to square meter (standard)
| Dunum | Square Meters |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1,000 |
| 2 | 2,000 |
| 3 | 3,000 |
| 5 | 5,000 |
| 10 | 10,000 |
| 20 | 20,000 |
| 50 | 50,000 |
| 100 | 100,000 |
Square meter to dunum (standard)
| Square Meters | Dunum |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | 1 |
| 2,500 | 2.5 |
| 5,000 | 5 |
| 7,500 | 7.5 |
| 10,000 | 10 |
Historical background
The dunum's story begins with the Ottoman "dönüm" – originally the area a pair of oxen could plow in a day. As the empire stretched from Baghdad to Belgrade, local adaptations emerged. After WWI, newly formed Middle Eastern nations standardized their versions:
- Jordan & Palestine: 1000 m² (1928 British Mandate)
- Iraq: 2500 m² (modified in 1930s land reforms)
- Syria: 900 m² in rural areas until 2010 standardization
This patchwork explains why grandpa's land deed in Mosul lists different dn values than your cousin's apartment in Tel Aviv!
Interesting facts?
- Moon Measurements: NASA uses metric, but when UAE's lunar rover landed, local media described its path in dunums
- Tax Trick: Some Lebanese farmers still register land in Ottoman-era dn values to lower tax bills
- Textile Roots: The word "dunum" may derive from Arabic "danna" (to fold), referencing cloth measurements
- Gaming Glitch: Popular farming simulator "Hay Day" accidentally used Iraqi dn values in 2020 update
- Climate Impact: 1 dn of olive trees absorbs 1.2 tons CO₂ annually – metric units miss this cultural connection
FAQ
The dunum evolved differently across regions under Ottoman rule, leading to modern variations between 900-2500 m² depending on local traditions.
No – while 1000 m² is common in places like Jordan and Syria, Iraqi dunums equal 2500 m². Always confirm local standards.
Use satellite mapping tools or consult land registry offices. For rough estimates, 1 modern dunum ≈ 1/4 acre.
While our tool is accurate for common conversions, always verify with local authorities for official transactions.
A hectare is much larger. 1 hectare = 10 dunums (using 1000 m²/dunum) or 4 Iraqi dunums.