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Rudaw Net
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Kobane makes Kurdish language mandatory on business signs
Also in Syria US says Syria's appointment of sanctioned commander a 'serious mistake' SDF thwarts multiple ISIS attacks in Syria's eastern Deir ez-Zor province SDF foils ISIS ambushes in east Syria Macron receives Syria's Sharaa in Paris A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kobane municipal council in a session on Thursday decided to make it mandatory for shops and restaurants to add Kurdish names to billboards and signs in the city in northeast Syria (Rojava). 'All owners of shops and restaurants in Kobane city should write the names of their shops and restaurants in Kurdish alongside Arabic language,' read a decree from the municipality. It gave businesses two months to implement the decision. The new rule was inspired by a shopkeeper who added Kurdish to the name of his business, a municipality source told Rudaw English on Friday. Kobane has been held by the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) for more than a decade. It is part of the Kurdish-led Democratic Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria (DAANES) where Kurdish is an official language. Kurdish language has flourished in the enclave after government troops withdrew at the start of Syria's civil war and a Kurdish-led administration took over. The language is being taught in schools and universities.
Rudaw Net
08-05-2025
- Business
- Rudaw Net
METEX 2025 highlights Kurdistan Region's tourism potential amid sector boom
Also in Kurdistan Erbil man takes legal action after medical gauze left in abdomen for 7 years Over 3,000 Thalassemia cases recorded in the Kurdistan Region amid growing alarm Iraqi border guards shoot, kill one in Sulaimani: Family Qatar invites President Barzani to Doha Forum A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The third edition of the Middle East Tourism Expo (METEX 2025) was held in the capital of the Kurdistan Region, Erbil, drawing around 180 companies from 18 countries and approximately 25,000 attendees. The event aims to boost development, investment, and regional cooperation in the region's rapidly growing tourism sector, which has seen a remarkable 1,800 percent increase in tourist arrivals over the past 16 years. The expo Running from May 6 to May 8 at the Erbil International Fairgrounds, METEX 2025 provided a dynamic platform for networking, business development, and knowledge exchange through pre-arranged meetings, presentations, and workshops. With nearly 120 hosted buyers and 500 scheduled Business 2 Business sessions, the exhibition is strategically designed to boost tourism-related investment and cooperation across sectors in the Kurdistan Region. Key sectors represented include travel agencies, hotels, airlines, IT services, banks, wellness centers, and even educational institutions. Speaking to Rudaw English, Lawand Mamondy, the CEO of Fly Erbil and key organizer of METEX2025, stated that on its opening day alone, '10,000 visitors visited the exhibition.' He pointed out that around 180 companies have participated in this year's edition of the exhibition, elaborating, 'We are talking about many companies from 18 countries here, maybe you saw, [participants] from Gulf countries, Middle Eastern countries, Africa, Europe.' Mamondy further anticipated that next year will see even further participation. 'My expectation for the next year is we can use the second hall [open up] as well, and I'm talking about [the participation of] 300 to 400 companies,' the CEO of Fly Erbil noted. For his part, the Acting Indonesian Ambassador to Iraq, Abraham Lebelauw, expressed to Rudaw English his exhilaration over his country's participation in this year's edition of the exhibition. He described the opportunity as 'very important because we learn a lot from different sectors, companies, not only tourism but also trade, and we learn a lot about their experiences. 'With this exhibition, we got a lot of information that I am sure I can share with the people in Indonesia... very good and positive information, including culture, trade, investment, and all the sectors in Kurdistan.' Tourism in the Kurdistan Region Over the past decade, the tourism sector in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has transformed into a key pillar of economic development and regional identity. Once considered an emerging destination, the Region is now attracting millions of visitors annually, with government investment, infrastructure expansion, and natural and cultural attractions fueling its rapid growth. In 2023 alone, the region welcomed over 7.2 million tourists - a dramatic increase from just 377,000 in 2007. The 1,810.6 percent increase in tourist arrivals reflects not only a growing domestic interest but also increased international recognition. In this regard, the Acting Indonesian Ambassador to Iraq, Lebelauw, asserted to Rudaw English the importance of 'people-to-people contact' in encouraging tourists to travel and elevating their knowledge about cultures. Pointing to the commonalities between the Kurdish and Indonesian peoples, Lebelauw stated, 'There is one similarity that Kurdistan and Indonesia have a lot of different cultural, different races that put together in one place like a melting pot. Indonesia also has a philosophical base, unity and diversity, just like Kurdistan.' He stressed the importance of 'developing a better understanding, showing the very developed history, cultural, and showcasing how the similarity can be beneficial, can be mutual, beneficial for both countries.' Lebelauw highlighted that while Indonesians might correlate the Middle East with religious tourism, 'Kurdistan can actually provide more.' The tourism sector's contribution to the local economy is also significant. With each tourist spending an estimated $250 to $300, tourism generated between $1.8 billion and $2.2 billion in revenue in 2023. This boom has created opportunities across multiple industries, with tourism supporting around 23 different types of professions per visitor. For its part, the Kurdistan Regional Government has invested more than $4.5 billion in tourism infrastructure, developing over 1,075 accommodations including hotels, motels, and tourist villages, alongside 800+ restaurants and service establishments. Pointing to the high level of security and stability the Kurdistan Region enjoys despite the ongoing turbulent events in the region, the CEO of Fly Erbil, Mamondy, stated that holding METEX2025 at this very sensitive time was not only shocking to many, but also sent a loud and clear message to the entire world about the Region. He further asserted however, the Kurdistan Region's tourism potential should be represented in major exhibitions as well. 'We also need to be outside in the, for example, in Dubai, in Berlin, in London,' he noted adding, 'We request [from the Kurdistan Regional Government] that every year, we participate in at least five biggest exhibition in the world, where Kurdistan should have a stand.' Touristic prominence Geographically, the Kurdistan Region is characterized by predominantly mountainous terrain, offering particularly striking natural landscapes in its northern and northeastern areas, especially along the borders with Turkey and Iran. In addition to its breathtaking natural scenery, the Kurdistan Region is rich in cultural and historical heritage, positioning it as a significant part of ancient Mesopotamia. The Region is also home to a wealth of archaeological sites, ancient cities, and religious landmarks that bear witness to thousands of years of continuous civilization. These include remnants from the Sumerian, Assyrian, and Median eras, highlighting the Region's deep historical roots. At the heart of this archaeological landscape stands the Erbil Citadel, widely regarded as the world's oldest continuously inhabited settlement. Dating back to 6000 BC, the Citadel serves as a symbolic and cultural centerpiece of the Kurdistan Region's enduring legacy. However, the Kurdistan Region's identity has long been connected to the tragedies befallen the Kurdish people. Speaking at the opening day of METEX2025, the Region's Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday called for a renewed focus on showcasing the Region's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. 'For years, our efforts to introduce Kurdistan to the world centered on our national identity through the lens of suffering,' said PM Barzani, adding that 'Kurdistan has much more to offer… It is a place of deep history, rich culture, and peaceful coexistence among diverse religious and ethnic communities.' 'Kurdistan's beauty lies in its diverse nature and how hospitable and friendly its people are, which is a common trait throughout Kurdistan, to make our guests feel at home.' PM Barzani also emphasized the strategic importance of strengthening the tourism sector in the Region. 'Improving our tourism sector will help us introduce Kurdistan to the world so that more people come and visit us and get to know our people and the different parts of our Region better,' he said, adding, 'We must continue to develop services so that more people, whether from Kurdistan or abroad, benefit more from this sector.' The Kurdistan Region premier further underscored the role of events like METEX2025 in elevating the Kurdistan Region's profile as a key tourist destination. 'One of the factors that will help us introduce Kurdistan to the world more effectively is our focus on the tourism sector,' the premier said, stressing that 'by working together and with the [Kurdistan Regional] Government's [KRG] support, such events can serve all of the Kurdistanis.' Praising the Kurdistan Region Prime Minister's participation the CEO of Fly Erbil, Mamondy, remarked, 'The Prime Minister's visit to this exhibition, it means a lot to us, he gave us full power and he always supports the tourism sector.' Pointing to the impact of PM Barzani's remarks, Mamondy noted that 'all the foreign companies, they got that speech… it was [meant to show] support for them, to come to Kurdistan, to make investments in the tourism sector, and at the same time, he [PM Barzani] showed that Kurdistan is open for everyone to invest.' Looking ahead The KRG has outlined a bold vision for 2030, aiming to attract 20 million tourists annually. Strategic initiatives supporting this goal include the launch of an electronic visa application system, restoration and development of natural landmarks, and the promotion of festivals and cultural heritage events. The significant surge in tourist arrivals suggests that the region is on track. With growing infrastructure, a safe and welcoming environment, and diverse attractions ranging from mountain retreats to archaeological sites, the Kurdistan Region is carving out a distinctive and sustainable place on the global tourism map. The growing focus on tourism also serves the Region's push to diversify its income sources, particularly in light of the economy's heavy reliance on oil revenues.
Rudaw Net
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Erbil marks World Press Freedom Day by highlighting the struggles of female journalists
Also in Kurdistan Local officials warn of looming water crisis in Darbandikhan Sulaimani cousins missing three years after attempted asylum journey Turkish soldier killed in Kurdistan Region Low water levels halt power production at Dukan Dam A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdistan Region capital Erbil commemorated World Press Freedom Day over the weekend with the Women's Voice without Borders conference, focusing on the unique challenges female journalists face, especially in conflict zones. The event shed light on the issues women journalists encounter worldwide, with particular emphasis on those working in the Middle East. The conference brought together more than 60 female journalists, human rights advocates and institutional representatives from across the region and Europe. It was sponsored by Rudaw, which was the sole media partner of the event. Key organizations such as the French non-governmental organization Aide Humanitaire et Journalisme (AHJ) participated, supporting women in conflict zones, especially those impacted by war and discrimination. AHJ works to train refugees and women from war zones in journalism to help amplify their voices and assert their rights. Lucie Feutrier-Cook, AHJ vice president, told Rudaw English that 'the purpose of the conference is to focus on the tremendous challenge of women journalists in the region,' especially in conflict zones such as Syria, Palestine and Lebanon. She noted that among the challenges female journalists in these countries face is 'finding protection and resisting partisan or political pressure [while doing their job], and finding a way to still touch the audience' at a time when there is a 'tremendous flow of information and [a face-paced] course of events.' Emphasizing the importance of 'solidarity among women journalists,' Feutrier-Cook stressed that female journalists in the region should also work to 'expand their network, their experiences, and their methods of protection, and to find free space, a free platform to raise their voice, but freely, independently.' Syrian media landscape The Women's Voice without Borders conference also featured a number of media workers from volatile regions, who shed light on the specific challenges journalists in their countries face. Speaking to Rudaw English about the media landscape in her country Syria, Hadeel Arja, the founder of Tiny Hands - an independent digital media platform dedicated to telling the stories of children in conflict and crisis zones – highlighted that journalists in Syria have faced ongoing challenges, both before and after the fall of the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in early December. She highlighted that among the most pressing challenges journalists in Syria are grappling with is 'ensuring the [people's] access to information,' which 'requires a lot of support for independent platforms, training for journalists,' as well as 'more fact-checking to verify the information and to establish platforms citizens can trust.' She noted that amid the fast-paced developments in Syria, 'We do not have time to create new platforms. There are platforms that have proven themselves for years, but they need more support to grow their team and be able to deliver accurate information.' After the fall of Assad in early December, acts of violence erupted in several parts of Syria many of which were instigated or exacerbated by rumors on social media. Arja warned about the dangers of misinformation spreading quickly and of 'viewers and readers acting based on the information [they receive] from social media, without being sure of it.' 'We need a strong alternative because day by day, the situation is getting worse, and rumors are spreading rapidly. People are reacting to these rumors without verifying the information,' she explained. Arja stressed that, 'The Syrian people have been waiting for years to open a new page; it is unfortunate that we are finding ourselves in such circumstances,' stressing that, 'Journalists must play in countering misinformation and providing reliable news.' In early March, violence erupted in the Alawite-majority coastal areas of western Syria after loyalists of ousted Syrian dictator Assad launched attacks on security forces affiliated with the new Syrian leadership. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that around 1,700 people, mostly Alawite civilians, were killed in the violence, adding that most casualties were caused by government or government-affiliated forces. Arja's organization, Tiny Hands, led an investigation to document the cases of child fatalities in the Alawite-majority regions. 'We were able to confirm [the killing of] more than 60 children, this is while I was not able to reach all the villages and affected areas.' She noted to Rudaw English, that the most worrisome finding her organization came across during its investigation was the inability to identify a unified description of the killers. 'There was no single description. They [perpetrators] were different, they spoke in different dialects, and had different features, they dressed differently, and the way they murdered [people] was also different,' Arja noted. 'Some of them [perpetrators] were killing entire families, others were killing only men. There was not a unified character to gather. As a journalist, I was able to gather these testimonies, but I was not able to reach a conclusion.' In the aftermath of the deadly violence in the Alawite-majority regions, Syria's interim President Sharaa in mid-March ordered the formation of an "independent national committee" to "investigate and look into' the causes of the violence in western Syria. In early April, Sharaa extended the committee's mission for an additional three months. Arja hoped that it would produce concrete conclusions. 'We hope the committee gives us conclusions, tells us the real numbers [of victims], shares the testimonies, reveals who the killers are and most importantly inform us how this killer will be held accountable.' Plight of Palestinian journalists In October 2023, the Palestinian movement Hamas launched a large-scale incursion into southern Israel, killing more than 1,170 people, according to Israeli figures. Israel responded with a massive offensive in Gaza that killed 52,000 people, mostly Palestinian civilians, according to the Gaza health ministry. Some 118,014 have also been wounded. Following 15 months of war, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire which went into effect in mid-January. However, on March 18, Israel launched new attacks on Gaza, killing more than 2,300 Palestinians and injuring more than 2500 others, according to the Gaza health ministry. Israel says the offensive aims to secure the return of 59 hostages still held by Hamas. Munia Dweik, the Palestine office manager at the private-owned Jordanian channel, Roya TV, stressed to Rudaw English the severe challenges Palestinian journalists face. 'We have reached a stage where international law is not protecting any Palestinian, let alone Palestinian journalists,' Dweik said, adding that the challenges posed ahead of Palestinian journalists are multiplied and include transportation in different regions, as well as protection and security. 'Armors do not protect the Palestinian journalists, the word press does not protect the Palestinian journalists... nothing prevents them from becoming targets.' She further noted that Palestinian journalists also need psychological support. 'The scenes they have seen, the circumstances they lived, the displacement they go through over and over again… due to all of this and more, Palestinian journalists need professional psychological support,' she argued. Palestinian female journalists, according to Dweik, suffer even further. 'Many of the female journalists are mothers. They say goodbye to their children every day before they go to work, unaware if they themselves will stay alive, or if their children will.' Despite the increasing normalization of violence in Gaza, Dweik urged journalists and human rights defenders to keep the situation in Gaza in the spotlight. 'At the start of the [Hamas-Israel] war, there was a global outcry, but now it seems the world has become desensitized to the images coming out of Gaza,' she noted. 'We must continue to talk about Gaza.' Representing the French foreign ministry at the conference was Isabelle Rome, human rights ambassador at Paris's ministry of foreign affairs. 'I am very happy to be here and I think it is important that this event had the support of the [French] government,' she told Rudaw English, adding that her main message at the forum is 'to believe in women and to think that women can be actors of peace and freedom.'
Rudaw Net
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Prominent German activist lauds Kurdistan Region's religious diversity, coexistence
Also in Interview Ukraine's territorial sovereignty must be respected for true peace to be achieved: Slovak MP US military presence in Syria vital for stability, preventing ISIS comeback: Former diplomat Displaced Kurds, Yazidis fear return to Afrin: Activist Iraqi PM Sudani to lead major list in November elections, eyeing second term: PM advisor A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - While praising the religious diversity in the Kurdistan Region, a prominent German political activist stated that it is unlikely that much of the 1.5 million Christians and Yazidis who have left Iraq in the past two decades will return after having sought refuge abroad. David Muller, who spoke to Rudaw on April 23, acknowledged the progress made in the Kurdistan Region over the past decade, highlighting 'significant development in stability and governmental efforts.' He noted that people in the region are 'living in peace and stability, receiving public services, and enjoying awareness and recognition.' Muller, known for his advocacy of religious freedom in Iraq, also commended the ability of individuals in the Kurdistan Region to openly practice their faith 'in coexistence and peace.' The Kurdistan Region is home to a wide variety of ethnic and religious communities, many of which have coexisted in harmony despite the challenges and turmoil in the broader region. While predominantly Muslim, the Kurdistan Region prides itself on its commitment to religious freedom, hosting communities such as Christians, Jews, Yazidis, Sabean-Mandaeans, Zoroastrians, Kaka'is, and Baha'is. Turning to the topic of Iraq's Christian community, Muller noted that many members of the minority group find it 'easier to live' in 'wealthy Western countries.' The Christian population in Iraq has significantly decreased over the past two decades, with fewer than 300,000 remaining, down from nearly 1.5 million before 2003, according to data obtained by Rudaw English from Erbil's Chaldean Archbishop Bashar Warda in February. Following the 2003 US-led invasion, sectarian violence forced many Christians to flee, and the rise of ISIS in 2014 further devastated minority communities. On the Yazidi refugee situation, Muller observed that more Yazidis are returning to their hometowns in Iraq, where they feel better understood and more integrated into the culture. In June 2014, ISIS seized large areas of northern and western Iraq. In August of that year, the group launched a brutal assault on the Yazidi community in northern Iraq's Shingal (Sinjar) district. The ISIS attack on Shingal resulted in the abduction of approximately 9,900 Yazidis, including 6,417 women and children, many of whom were subjected to sexual slavery and forced labor. The United Nations has recognized the systematic targeting of the Yazidis as genocide. Up to 200,000 Yazidis were displaced from Shingal, with many now living in camps across the Kurdistan Region, especially in Dohuk province. As of now, 2,590 Yazidis remain missing, according to the Office of Rescuing Abducted Yazidis, which is affiliated with the Kurdistan Region Presidency.
Rudaw Net
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Kurdistan Region to hold major event promoting coexistence
Also in Kurdistan Erbil hosts four-day art gallery by Iranian Kurdish artist Iraqi, Kurdish leaders extend condolences following Pope's death Duhok researchers uncover deadly Newcastle virus strain New poultry marketing company to open in Kurdistan Region A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Erbil will host the Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday, a four-day event aimed at promoting coexistence, reconciliation, and interfaith understanding, with the participation of international leaders and religious figures. The Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast, an invite-only event, will take place in Erbil from April 22 to 25, bringing together global leaders, religious figures, and changemakers for collective prayer and dialogue, the official website of the event reads. The gathering aims to promote unity, reconciliation, and interfaith understanding while honoring the Kurdistan Region's religious diversity and commitment to peaceful coexistence. Nadine Maenza, president of the IRF Secretariat and former chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, is a member of the event's organizing committee. Maenza expressed her appreciation for the region. 'The Kurdistan Region of Iraq, a place close to my heart, is home to a diverse mosaic of ethnic and religious communities with a beautiful history of living together in peace,' she told Rudaw English on Monday. 'As they [Kurdistan Region] continue to face challenges amid ongoing regional changes, I am honored to take part in a National Prayer Breakfast that brings together Christian leaders and representatives of other faith communities—both from the region and around the world—to pray for them and for all the people of Iraq and the broader region,' the advocate of religious rights added. Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani, senior officials from the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, as well as representatives from the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, are expected to attend the event, an official government statement said on Monday. The history of the National Prayer Breakfast dates back to 1953, when US President Dwight Eisenhower joined a weekly prayer gathering held by members of the Senate and House of Representatives. Since then, the event has become a longstanding tradition, with lawmakers meeting regularly while Congress is in session for prayer and personal reflection. This will be the first time the Kurdistan Region holds a National Breakfast Prayer. The Kurdistan Region is home to a diverse range of ethnic and religious communities that have long coexisted in peace and mutual respect, despite the turmoil and challenges the region has faced. The Kurdistan Region is predominantly Muslim but takes pride in its commitment to religious freedom. In addition to its Muslim population, the region is home to diverse faith communities, including Christians, Jews, Yazidis, Sabean-Mandaeans, Zoroastrians, Kaka'is, and Baha'is.
