The sanjak was established after Selim I occupied Mosul in 1516/1517. It was part of Diyarbekir Eyalet until 1534. It was then transferred to Luristan Eyalet, then Baghdad Eyalet. During the years of 1563–1566 and 1571–1573 it was part of Shahrizor Eyalet. In 1586 it became part of the newly established Mosul Eyalet.