Kurdistan Region declares Ghadir al-Khum a public holiday

ERBIL, Iraq — The Kurdistan Regional Government has declared Ghadir al-Khum a public holiday, following an instruction from President Nechirvan Barzani. The decision was described as more than a calendar change, with the text saying it carries a message of tolerance and coexistence. It said Iraq is made up of different ethnic and sectarian components, but that a culture of shared citizenship and living together should be strengthened. The statement also called for the same level of respect to be shown to Kurdish holidays and special days, as well as to Arab and Shiite commemorations, on the basis of mutual respect. It said celebrations such as Nowruz and Ghadir al-Khum can build links between different groups and help reinforce social harmony.