Nowruz becomes opportunity for dialogue in Iraq

During Nowruz this year, the Baha’i community in Iraq has launched a social dialogue initiative to establish a foundation of dialogue and coexistence in all components of society.
Iraqi Kurds play music as they walk through the town of Akra, 500 km north of Baghdad, on March 20, 2017 as they celebrate the Noruz spring festival. The Persian New Year is an ancient Zoroastrian tradition celebrated by Iranians and Kurds which coincides with the vernal (spring) equinox and is calculated by the solar calender. / AFP PHOTO / SAFIN HAMED (Photo credit should read SAFIN HAMED/AFP/Getty Images)
Iraqi Kurds play music as they walk through the town of Akra, Iraq, March 20, 2017. - SAFIN HAMED/AFP/Getty Images
Saad_Salloum.jpg
Saad Salloum
Read in 

BAGHDAD — Celebrations for religious occasions and holidays in Iraq have lately focused on common grounds of belief among citizens of Iraq. The purpose is to calm tensions caused by ethnic and sectarian conflicts or struggle over power and wealth among political elites.

Nowruz, which represents the new year for Iranians and Baha’is and marks the end of a 19-day fast, took place March 21. The Baha’is have launched a “social dialogue initiative” to establish a ground of dialogue and coexistence in all components of Iraqi society.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.

Videos

See more