The Pir Shalyar ceremony, one of the oldest traditional and cultural festivals in Kurdistan, is celebrated annually in Hawraman Takht and dates back nearly a thousand years. Traditionally, the festival begins on the first Wednesday of the forty days of winter, welcoming the season with gatherings, rituals, and festivities. For centuries, it has drawn locals, tourists, and media from around the world, highlighting the cultural richness of the region.
This year, the festival was marked by a solemn tone in solidarity with the Kurds of Rojava (Western Kurdistan). Organizers held the ritual on a smaller scale, without the participation of outside guests, to honor the martyrs and express sympathy for their families.
The festival is rooted in the veneration of Pir Shalyar, a saintly figure and wise leader who connected different historical periods of Kurdish society. He is remembered for spreading philosophical, religious, and social thought throughout Hawraman Takht. The shrine of Pir Shalyar remains a symbol of faith and respect for generations of Kurds.
Linguistically and culturally, Pir Shalyar is more than a name—it represents the enduring intellectual, social, and civilised life of the Kurdish people. The festival continues to shed light on ancient customs and beliefs, preserving the spiritual and historical heritage of the Zagros valleys.
