Barat night celebrations illuminate Kurdish neighborhoods

SULAYMANIYAH — On the eve of February 24, 2024, the Kurdistan Region prepares to celebrate the traditional Barat Night, a festive precursor to Ramadan where children traverse their neighborhoods seeking confectionary and chocolates post-dinner, embodying both cultural and religious anticipation.

Abdulla Waisi, the head of the Islamic Scholars Union in the Kurdistan Region, conveyed to 964media the importance of Barat Night, observed between the 14th and 15th of Sha’ban—a period marked by prayer and reflection, serving as an introduction to the holy month of Ramadan.

Throughout Kurdistan, Barat Night festivities vary, with families, especially men, attending mosques for prayers and contemplation. Sulaymaniyah, however, hosts a unique celebration where families convene for special dinners before children venture out to neighboring homes, collecting nuts, dates, or sweets, and occasionally small sums of money, in a warm and welcoming tradition.

Omer Karim Agha, an artist from Sulaymaniyah, reminisced with 964media about the communal spirit of past Barat Nights, with children visiting homes, reciting verses and songs, and gathering treats in pockets or homemade bags, reflecting the occasion’s warmth and generosity.

Mohammed Mardan, a writer and researcher, discussed with 964media the term “Barat,” possibly misconstrued as deriving from Arabic “Bara’ah,” yet firmly rooted in Kurdish culture, signifying gift, awarding, entitlement, right, and sacrifice, enriching the celebration with deep cultural significance.

In Sulaymaniyah’s bustling markets, vendors of nuts and chocolates witness the festive mood that “Barat” brings, though Qadir Abdulla noted a decline in sweet purchases this year due to economic strains, underscoring the impact on traditional customs yet highlighting the community’s dedication to preserving Barat Night’s essence.

Saadiya Ismail, a 65-year-old resident of Sulaymaniyah’s Sarwer neighborhood, told 964media that Barat Night is especially cherished in Sulaymaniyah, celebrated with more enthusiasm than in other regions, marking its special place in the city’s cultural tapestry.

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