Kurdistan Region declares Tuesday public holiday for Hijri New Year

ERBIL, Iraq — The Kurdistan Regional Government has declared Tuesday a public holiday across all official institutions to mark the start of the Islamic Hijri calendar. The decision, announced by the regional government's media office, applies to all government offices in the Kurdistan Region. The holiday commemorates 1 Muharram, recognized as the first day of the Islamic calendar. The date marks the anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina, an event considered a turning point in Islamic history. With the order in effect, public services in the Kurdistan Region will be suspended for the day. The government did not provide further details on the duration or scope of the closure beyond the single-day observance.