Erbil begins decorations for Mawlid al-Nabi celebrations

ERBIL, Iraq — Authorities in Erbil, capital of the Kurdistan Region, have begun early preparations for Mawlid al-Nabi, the anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad's birth, decorating the historic Erbil Citadel and the old Qaysari Bazaar with religious and traditional ornaments. Streets have been fitted with festive lighting and traditional decorative elements as residents prepare for the annual commemorations. Shopkeepers in the bazaar said they expect hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the region. Servan Kamal, a confectioner, said demand for traditional sweets, particularly those associated with the holiday, has risen, adding that vendors are building up stock to be distributed free of charge by groups in the streets. Local resident Hendrin Ahmed said the occasion carries special meaning in Erbil, where families gather each year to distribute sweets and food in the city center. Yahya Erbili, one of the event organizers, said the area around the citadel serves as the heart of the celebrations, where Sufi groups perform traditional hymns. Security and municipal services are coordinating traffic management and transportation arrangements across the city ahead of the expected influx of visitors.