Latest news with #DuhokFootballClub
Shafaq News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Shafaq News
More than a party: Duhok festival reaffirms province's evolving identity
Shafaq News/ Children danced in circles to the rhythm of Kurdish drums as Nowruz Square filled with flickering lights, folk songs, and the scent of grilled street food. For many in Duhok, the festival was more than a celebration—it was a reaffirmation of the province's evolving identity, 56 years after its official designation. The 11th edition of Duhok's annual provincial festival, hosted on May 27, drew thousands from across the Kurdistan Region and southern Iraq, turning the city into a showcase of heritage, culture, and civic pride. Local folklore troupes performed traditional dabka dances, while singers echoed melodies rooted in the region's multiethnic legacy. 'This year's program revolves around three pillars,' said Hassan Fattah, spokesperson for the Duhok Directorate of Culture and Arts. 'We wanted to highlight the city's cultural vitality, its athletic achievements, and its economic growth.' Government departments, NGOs, and private companies erected pavilions across Nowruz Square to display projects and local initiatives. Another focal point was Duhok Football Club's historic victory in the GCC Champions League, marking a milestone for Kurdish representation in regional sports. The festival also honored the area's rich folklore, with dozens of ensembles presenting scenes from daily life, weddings, and rituals across Duhok's diverse communities. 'This is a celebration of who we are,' said Ahmed Yahya, a resident. 'But we still need to invest more in tourism. With the right attention, Duhok can become a major destination.' 'Standing here with all these communities sharing one space,' added Hermîn Taher, 'you realize how peaceful coexistence is not just possible—it's already real here.' Once part of Nineveh province, Duhok became an official province in 1969. Surrounded by mountains and bordering Turkiye and Syria, the province is home to dozens of archaeological sites and natural landmarks, making it one of the Kurdistan Region's most strategic and culturally vibrant areas.
Shafaq News
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Shafaq News
President Barzani on Duhok FC's historic triumph: Joy for all
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, Kurdish President Nechirvan Barzani congratulated Duhok Football Club after it won the Gulf Club Champions League, marking the first time an Iraqi team has claimed the regional title. 'This win brought joy to all of us in Kurdistan and throughout Iraq,' Barzani said in a statement. 'The players and staff deserve deep appreciation for raising the name of Kurdistan and Iraq high.' The Gulf Club Champions League is organized by the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation and features top teams from across the Gulf region.
Rudaw Net
06-04-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Kuwait to grant entry to 2,000 Duhok club fans for AFC Asian Cup match
Also in Middle East Israel, Turkey exchange accusations over Syria, regional issues UN, regional countries react to Israel's escalation in Syria Israel escalates strikes in Syria, warns Sharaa against harboring 'hostile' forces Does the Sudani-Sharaa call signal a thaw in Baghdad-Damascus ties? A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Iraqi Embassy in Kuwait announced on Sunday that it has secured official approval to issue 2,000 free visas for fans of Duhok Football Club to attend the first-leg match against Kuwait's Qadsia Club, part of the AFC Asian Cup, scheduled for Tuesday. Iraq's Ambassador to Kuwait, al-Manhal al-Safi, confirmed that the embassy 'will sponsor all the fans attending just as we have previously sponsored Iraqi fans who cheered on the [Iraqi] national team.' Iraqi citizens require a visa to travel to Kuwait, as they are not eligible for visas on arrival or e-visas. Additionally, Iraqis must be sponsored either by a Kuwaiti citizen or a registered entity in Kuwait to obtain a visit visa. Safi confirmed that Kuwait's interior ministry instructed the country's authorities to grant entry to 2,000 Duhok Football Club fans. The Iraqi ambassador to Kuwait added that the embassy has begun accepting applications electronically and will continue to do so until the day of the match. 'We have already processed over 800 applications and are working on the rest,' Safi said, noting that visa issuance procedures began on Saturday and will 'continue until the day of the match.' Duhok Club is set to face Qadsia Club of Kuwait on Tuesday evening in the first leg of the AFC Asian Cup final for clubs. Speaking to Rudaw, Kurdish member of the Iraqi parliament, Chiya Taimur, stated that the visa approvals were made possible through efforts by Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, who coordinated with the Iraqi interior ministry to request the visas from his Kuwaiti counterpart. 'I have received a promise from Bengin Rekani, the interim president of Iraqi Airways, to allocate two or three flights on Monday and Tuesday so that Duhok fans can fly directly from Erbil to Kuwait,' he added.
