Fayli Kurds in Kirkuk open Muharram commemorations with Karbala remembrance

KIRKUK, Iraq — Fayli Kurds in Kirkuk held the first traditional Karbala remembrance ceremony marking the start of Muharram at the local Fayli Kurds Union building, attended by social and religious figures and residents from across the city. Speaking at the gathering, Sheikh Hassan al-Aisawi addressed the principles of sacrifice and reform embodied by Imam Hussein and his companions in the Karbala events. The program included the recitation of Hussein's biography, lamentations and poetry recounting the Karbala episode. Asaad Daoud al-Fayli, the union's Kirkuk representative, said the ceremonies have been passed down through generations despite difficult conditions, describing Muharram as a period that recalls the principles of justice, human dignity and opposition to oppression. He said the union hosts mourners from different communities each year, reflecting Kirkuk's spirit of peace and brotherhood, and that the commemorations carry a cultural role that strengthens social solidarity beyond their religious function. Abu Ali al-Fayli, who also attended, said Fayli Kurds transmit Hussein's stance and principles of sacrifice to new generations each year, reinforcing a culture of social love and tolerance. No further details on the commemoration schedule were immediately available.