PM Masrour Barzani visits Xurmal district, receives traditional gift

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – On Sunday, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRG), Masrour Barzani, visited the Xurmal district in Halabja province, where the local residents honored him with a 'Hawramani Kolabal', a traditional brown felt jacket with pointed shoulders worn by men in Hawraman.

Prime Minister Barzani's visit to Xurmal was part of his broader tour of Halabja province.

The residents presented the 'Hawramani Kolabal' to recognize his efforts in promoting Xurmal to district status and for his previous decisions that have benefited the region.

Following a campaign by Xurmal residents, Prime Minister Barzani directed the Interior Ministry to initiate administrative procedures and preparations for the districtization of Xurmal. This process will be coordinated with Halabja province to complete the establishment of Xurmal as a district.

Located in the north of Halabja province, Xurmal is 10 kilometers from the provincial center and 70 kilometers east of Sulaimani. It lies within the picturesque Hawraman mountain range, attracting tourists year-round due to its beautiful nature and climate.

Xurmal is home to several historical monuments, including the Khan Ahmad Khan Castle (also known as Zalm Castle) and the old council of Xurmal Castle, both dating back to the Sassanid period and pre-Islamic times.

The mosque and minaret of the Great Old Mosque of Xurmal, dating to the early Islamic era, are also notable landmarks. Additionally, Old Xurmal, now a neighborhood of Xurmal, is considered the oldest area of the district.

To the people of Halabja and Hawraman: thank you for your warm welcome and hospitality -mb. pic.twitter.com/uudFe8MR03

— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) June 30, 2024