Christian resident in Koya distributes confectionary for Prophet Mohammed’s birthday

ERBIL — A Christian shopkeeper in Koya marked the Prophet Mehammed’s birthday on Wednesday by handing out sweets in the city’s bazaar, continuing a 15-year tradition he says reflects coexistence in the Kurdistan Region.

Saman Ishaq, who runs a store in Koya’s market, told 964media he has distributed sweets on the Prophet’s birthday for more than a decade. “This is an act of coexistence. I enjoy doing it, and the Muslims of the city also appreciate it,” he said.

From morning until evening, Ishaq offers sweets to customers and shopkeepers. He said Muslims and Christians in Koya share both joy and hardship without distinction.

Koya also includes the Christian neighborhood of Harmota, where residents maintain close ties. Ishaq said the two communities regularly visit each other during funerals to extend condolences.