Zakho to Host Inaugural Kurdish Clothes Festival

[Anthea]

Zakho to Host Kurdish Clothes Festival
Spotlighting Cultural Heritage and Tourism

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The city of Zakho is set to welcome the third edition of its much-anticipated “Shel u Shepk” Festival, a vibrant celebration of traditional Kurdish attire and folklore, scheduled to begin on Tuesday. The two-day event aims to bolster cultural tourism and highlight the richness of Kurdish heritage

Delkhaz Musa, the festival’s coordinator, confirmed to Kurdistan 24 that final preparations have been completed, and the event will feature both morning discussion sessions and evening folkloric performances held near the iconic Delal Bridge—Zakho’s historical landmark.

Celebrating Kurdish identity through fashion and folklore

“The festival will bring together 30 Kurdish fashion models—both men and women—who will showcase traditional costumes from various regions of Kurdistan,” Musa said. “We are also expecting the participation of cultural troupes from Khorasan, Kermashan, Bitlis, and Qamishlo, in addition to special guest performances from other parts of Kurdistan.”

According to Musa, the festival will include musical performances by a diverse array of artists and ensembles, including the renowned Heranbiji group from Erbil. Celebrated Kurdish singers Hasan Sharif and Sharifana Kurdi are also scheduled to perform, bringing classical Kurdish music to life during the evening programs.

A growing cultural tradition in Zakho

Now in its third year, the Shel u Shepk Festival is organized under the auspices of Zakho’s Independent Administration and has swiftly become one of the city’s most prominent cultural events. Organizers view the festival as a key component of Zakho’s strategy to enhance its cultural footprint and position itself as a growing destination for heritage tourism.

Musa emphasized the festival’s role in connecting the people of Kurdistan with their roots. “Shel u Shepk is more than a fashion event. It’s a celebration of Kurdish identity, diversity, and unity across borders,” he said.

With an expanding roster of participants and growing public interest, Zakho’s cultural calendar is quickly gaining recognition, showcasing the enduring vitality of Kurdish heritage in a modern context. The city’s blend of history, hospitality, and artistic expression positions it as a rising hub for cultural revival in the Kurdistan Region.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/83 ... nd-tourism

[Anthea]

Festival showcases traditional Kurdish attires in Zakho

ZAKHO, Kurdistan - The third annual Shal and Shapk (traditional Kurdish clothing) festival was held in Duhok province's Zakho town on Tuesday. The two-day event showcased various styles of Kurdish clothing from the Kurdistan Region and Kurdish-majority areas in Turkey, Syria, and Iran

Marwan Bagej from the Kurdish-majority province of Mardin in southeast Turkey sold the traditional clothing from his area.

In Mardin, men's clothing consists of five pieces: a shirt, pants, a head covering, a waist covering, and a jacket. Women's clothing typically includes two pieces in different colors, priced at around $100. The Mardin headcover is especially popular and is worn by both men and women.

Sadiq Qadir is a skilled tailor from Akre. He has been making Shal and Shapk for 39 years. He explained to Rudaw that there are three main styles commonly found throughout Akre, each with unique variations depending on the area.

Hiznia Osman is from Western Kurdistan's Qamishlo, a region where traditional clothing stands out from other Kurdish-majority areas. Women's attire in this area is particularly elaborate, consisting of 12 distinct pieces.

Simbol Shujai showcased traditional attires from several areas in Rojhelat.

The clothing of Kurdish women and men in all regions, even if not exactly the same, is similar. The only differences are in design and sewing style, or having one piece more or less in some regions.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/01052025