The Night of Barat, a long-standing cultural and religious tradition among Kurds, was marked this year with an added sense of national pride, particularly in the city of Sulaymaniyah.
Observed annually on the 15th night of Sha’ban in the Islamic Hijri calendar — approximately two weeks before the start of Ramadan — the occasion is traditionally celebrated with children dressing up, receiving sweets and chocolates, and walking in groups through neighbourhood streets.
In Sulaymaniyah, where the celebration is typically more vibrant than in other cities, this year’s commemoration took on a distinctly national tone. Children wore traditional Kurdish clothing and sang the Kurdish national anthem, “Ey Reqîb” (“O Enemy”), as they moved through the streets.
Residents said the shift reflected the current political climate and a growing sense of unity among Kurds, particularly in light of recent unrest and violence affecting Kurds in Rojava (Western Kurdistan). The blending of cultural tradition with expressions of national identity highlighted what many described as a renewed sense of collective belonging.
The Night of Barat derives its name from the Arabic word al-barā’a, meaning deliverance or absolution. In Islamic belief, it is considered a night of mercy and forgiveness. Many religious scholars hold that on the mid-Sha’ban night, God looks upon His servants with mercy, forgiving those who seek forgiveness and granting blessings to those who pray.
While rooted in spiritual reflection and celebration, this year’s observance in Sulaymaniyah demonstrated how cultural traditions can also serve as platforms for expressing unity and shared national sentiment.
