Erbil marks Mawlid al-Nabi with flags, free meals and street decorations

ERBIL, Iraq — Streets in Erbil's old city, including the historic Erbil Citadel, Qaysari Bazaar and Pata Street, were decorated with green flags and ornaments to mark Mawlid al-Nabi, the observance of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday. Mosques and open public spaces hosted gatherings, with organizers distributing free sweets, meals and drinks to attendees and setting up Mawlid assemblies. Religious affairs teacher Molla Ahmed Erbili said the city has observed the occasion for decades in a spirit of tolerance and peace, with mosques filled with remembrance chants and devotional songs. Saman Kasim, a shopkeeper in the old bazaar, said preparations had begun several days in advance, with stores decorated and sweets distributed to visitors. Kasim added that Erbil had hosted thousands of visitors from other Iraqi cities joining the celebrations. Local authorities were reported to have implemented annual traffic management and crowd safety measures. The celebrations were expected to continue late into the night.