The National Day of Kurdistan is on the 21 March (Nawroz, Kurdish New Year celebrated on the spring equinox).This day commemorates the adoption of the Kurdish flag in 1991 by the Kurdish Parliament in exile. The flag features a red, white, and green tricolor with a sun emblem in the center, which represents freedom and independence.
National Day of Kurdistan
Firstly the struggle for Kurdish independence dates back to the early 20th century. This when the Ottoman Empire collapsed and the region was divided between several countries. These included Turkey (National Day of Turkey), Iran (National Day of Iran), Iraq (National Day of Iraq), and Syria (National Day of Syria). Despite being a distinct ethnic group with their own language and culture. Finally the Kurds were denied autonomy and faced persecution under these states.
Firstly in the aftermath of World War I, the Treaty of Sevres was signed in 1920. This Treaty recognized the right of self-determination for the Kurds. It had promised them an independent state. Having said that, the Treaty was never fully implemented. Finally this created a massive Kurdish region which spans the territory of Turkey, Iran, and Iraq.
There had been a number of Kurdish groups and political parties over the years who fought for independence or greater autonomy within these states. The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) was the well-known one. It was formed in Turkey in 1978 and has waged a long-running insurgency against the Turkish government.
Then in 1991 came the Gulf War and the collapse of Iraq. It was then that the Kurdish Parliament in exile was established in northern Iraq. This parliament adopted the Kurdish flag on December 17th of that year, which has since become a symbol of Kurdish identity and resistance.
Finally despite ongoing conflicts and challenges. The Kurdish people continue to advocate for their rights and independence as Kurds. The National Day of Kurdistan serves as a reminder of their struggle.
Kurdistan Public Holiday
However, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, which has a degree of autonomy, there are several public holidays that are celebrated each year. These include:
- New Year’s Day: January 1st
- Eid al-Fitr: A religious holiday marking the end of Ramadan
- Eid al-Adha: A religious holiday commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son
- Islamic New Year: The first day of the Islamic calendar, which varies each year
- Revolution Day: July 14th, commemorating the 1958 overthrow of the Iraqi monarchy
- Kurdistan Flag Day: March 21st, commemorating the adoption of the Kurdish flag in 1991
