Berwari Bala’s third annual harvest festival kicked off in the mountainous Amedi district of Duhok province, drawing visitors from across the Kurdistan Region to celebrate locally grown produce, especially the area’s famous apples.
“This year we have American apples and green apples, but also Lebanon apples, yellow apples, and moqassar apples,” said Dilovan Derishki, a local farmer and vendor at the festival. Five varieties of apples, each with unique colors and flavors, were on display, highlighting the region’s agricultural richness.
The festival features 200 vendor stands showcasing products from all four parts of Kurdistan. Abdullah Nerwayi, a veteran Peshmerga attending the event, praised the diversity of goods. “It is up to you to decide what you want to buy, what is delicious or good. Figs from Akre are very good,” he said. Shirin Berwari, a local resident, expressed excitement about the festival’s variety: “Kurdish almonds, walnuts, Zhazhi cheese — whatever I like, I will buy.”
Local artists entertained visitors with Kurdish music throughout the festival. Hassan Sharif, originally from the area, performed his song Mountains and announced new music to be released in November. Singer Chopy Fatah also performed, alongside the Duhok and Alqosh national art groups.
The event additionally highlighted handicrafts and artworks by skilled local artisans, giving visitors a full experience of Kurdish culture, tradition, and gastronomy. Organizers say the festival has grown in size and reputation each year, becoming a major cultural attraction for the Kurdistan Region.