Senior Kurdistan Region leaders mark the beginning of Eid al-Adha

Mustafa Shilani 2021/07/19 17:44

President Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). (Photo: Archive)

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ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Various top officials from the autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq expressed their best wishes for all those beginning their celebration of the Muslim feast of Eid al-Adha both locally and abroad, largely with appeals for peace and coexistence.

"On the occasion of the blessed Eid al-Adha, I extend my warmest congratulations and blessings to all Muslims of Kurdistan, Iraq, and the world, and to the families of the honorable martyrs, the valiant Kurdistan Peshmerga, and all dear Kurdish citizens," read a statement by Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader President Masoud Barzani.

"I hope that this holiday will be a source of goodness, blessing and safety for the people of Kurdistan" he added, "and that brotherhood, harmony, and coexistence will take root in our country, with peace and stability prevailing in the region and the world."

Eid al-Adha marks the end of the annual Islamic pilgrimage, known as the Hajj, to Mecca, a mandatory duty for Muslims with financial or other means to carry it out at least once in their lifetime. The religious holiday is the second of two Islamic celebrations, the first one being Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of the month of Ramadan.

Tens of thousands of tourists, mainly from Iraq’s central and southern provinces, have been steadily arriving in the autonomous Kurdistan Region’s capital province of Erbil to spend the holiday.

Kurdistan Region President Nechrivan Barzani, in his own statement, wished that the occasion "brings joy and stability for everyone and puts an end to the misery and the pandemic around the world."

Nechirvan Barzani, the president of the Kurdistan Region. (Photo: Archive)

“On this occasion, let us embrace the messages of Eid which include tolerance, forgiveness, and reconciliation, and consolidate coexistence, mutual respect, and peace among all sides and communities in Kurdistan, and support unity and consensus for a better future for the country,” he added.

The regional president also encouraged members of the Kurdistan Region public "to protect themselves and their loved ones from the COVID-19 pandemic" by following health precautions such as masking and social distancing.

Earlier in the day, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also extended Eid congratulations to the Muslim community across the globe.

Editing by John J. Catherine