Halabja’s famed pomegranates draw thousands of visitors
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Halabja on Saturday wrapped up its ninth annual Pomegranate Festival. The four-day event is growing in popularity and draws tourists from near and far.
Varsin Ezzat has been a vendor at the festival in Halabja for three years. Together with her parents, she sells pomegranates harvested from their garden.
“For the past three years, my parents and I have been actively involved in the pomegranate festival," said Ezzat. "I manage our stall with their support."
Wearing red Kurdish clothing to match the pomegranates, Ezzat says though there are difficulties growing, harvesting, and then marketing their pomegranates, they are proud of their business.
"Despite these difficulties, it is a special privilege for me to sell pomegranates alongside my parents at this festival," she said.
Diplomats also attended the festival. For them, the taste of Kurdistan was something special.
The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Ministry of Agriculture has said they are willing to support farmers who want to export their pomegranates.
The festival's goal is to promote the area’s famous pomegranates while also drawing in tourists.
"I am from Kamyaran, Zhawaro region of Hawraman. We have come to participate in this festival as tourists. It is wonderful that these festivals are held in our own Hawraman as well. But the specialty here is that things are very beautifully arranged, which makes it much more beautiful," said Sonia Rohani, an Iranian Kurdish tourist.
The event also featured local products made by Halabja women - something festival organizers are keen to encourage.
"Every year I participate in the Pomegranate Festival and visit Halabja," said Amina Ali, an elderly visitor from Sulaimani. "People from most Kurdish cities have come to this festival, which has made Halabja more developed."
Varsin Ezzat has been a vendor at the festival in Halabja for three years. Together with her parents, she sells pomegranates harvested from their garden.
“For the past three years, my parents and I have been actively involved in the pomegranate festival," said Ezzat. "I manage our stall with their support."
Wearing red Kurdish clothing to match the pomegranates, Ezzat says though there are difficulties growing, harvesting, and then marketing their pomegranates, they are proud of their business.
"Despite these difficulties, it is a special privilege for me to sell pomegranates alongside my parents at this festival," she said.
Diplomats also attended the festival. For them, the taste of Kurdistan was something special.
The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Ministry of Agriculture has said they are willing to support farmers who want to export their pomegranates.
The festival's goal is to promote the area’s famous pomegranates while also drawing in tourists.
"I am from Kamyaran, Zhawaro region of Hawraman. We have come to participate in this festival as tourists. It is wonderful that these festivals are held in our own Hawraman as well. But the specialty here is that things are very beautifully arranged, which makes it much more beautiful," said Sonia Rohani, an Iranian Kurdish tourist.
The event also featured local products made by Halabja women - something festival organizers are keen to encourage.
"Every year I participate in the Pomegranate Festival and visit Halabja," said Amina Ali, an elderly visitor from Sulaimani. "People from most Kurdish cities have come to this festival, which has made Halabja more developed."