Autumn Festival at Shameran: A Celebration of Kurdish Women’s Handicrafts
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Against the scenic backdrop of Shameran Resort in Derbendikhan district, an autumn festival unfolded this weekend, transforming the picturesque tourist site into a vibrant showcase of women’s creativity, culture, and resilience.
Colorful stalls lined the resort, where more than 35 women presented their handmade crafts, traditional Kurdish dishes, and unique artisanal products. The festival drew participants and visitors from across the Kurdistan Region, with families arriving from Halabja, Sulaymaniyah, Kalar, Arbat, and surrounding towns, as well as from Garmiyan, eager to witness the artistry of local women.
“This autumn festival at Shameran Palace is held once a year and runs from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.,” explained Pari Mohammed, the event’s supervisor. “It is important because it allows women who usually work inside their homes to bring their crafts outside, introduce their work to the public, and generate income. Autumn, with its pleasant weather, is the perfect season for such events.”
Although the festival primarily spotlighted women, men were also present in supportive roles, assisting and accompanying their families. “They came as helpers and partners for the women,” Pari noted.
For the organizers, choosing Shameran Resort as the venue was deliberate. “This is a tourist site, and holding the festival here creates a dual benefit: we promote our products while also enjoying the experience of a cultural outing,” Pari said. “It is both a source of income and a chance for leisure.”
The lively atmosphere carried echoes of tradition and community. Visitors enjoyed freshly prepared Kurdish dishes, admired intricate handmade goods, and engaged with the artisans behind the creations. One attendee, who had also visited a similar festival in Tawela the previous day, described the Shameran gathering as “a special day” that brought together friends and family, including guests from neighboring Iran. “It was a unique experience where we met each other, celebrated Kurdish food and handicrafts, and shared in the joy of culture,” she said.
The Shameran Autumn Festival, though only a single-day event, reflected a deeper cultural value. It stood as both a reminder of the role of women in preserving Kurdish traditions and as a platform for empowering artisans by giving them visibility and economic opportunity.
As the sun set over Derbendikhan, the festival concluded, but the spirit of togetherness and pride in Kurdish heritage lingered among participants — a vivid memory carried home with every crafted item and every shared smile.
