A folklore festival honoring the families of martyrs opened in Sulaymaniyah’s Azadi Park, showcasing a colorful mix of traditional music, dance, and cultural displays. The event celebrates Kurdish heritage and pays tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the region’s freedom.
Festival supervisor Azima Haseeb said more than 30 participants from martyrs’ families took part in various performances. They presented Kurdish folk songs, traditional dances, and exhibitions of handmade crafts and clothing inspired by ancestral traditions. She added that the five-day event aims to highlight “the richness of Kurdish folklore, preserve cultural identity for future generations, and honor the families who have endured great sacrifice.”
In the Kurdistan Region, the term families of martyrs refers to relatives of those who died in the Kurdish struggle for rights and autonomy. It includes the families of Peshmerga fighters killed during conflicts with former Iraqi regimes, especially the Anfal campaign and the 1988 Halabja chemical attack, as well as those who fought against ISIS since 2014.
These families hold a revered place in Kurdish society, symbolizing strength, resistance, and national pride. Through this festival, the region not only preserves its folklore but also expresses gratitude toward the people who helped shape its enduring spirit.