ERBIL- Kurdistan Region - Thirty horseback riders from across the Kurdistan Region participated in an annual festival held northeast of Erbil to celebrate Kurdish heritage and highlight the identity and long-standing traditions of the Kurdish people.
The fourth edition of the Karokh Equestrian Festival was held at the foothills of Mount Karokh, in the town of Warte on Saturday. It featured horsemanship competitions as well as traditional handicrafts and old tools displayed in heritage tents.
“We, the people of Warte, are known for our hospitality and welcoming spirit. We invite people from across Kurdistan to visit and experience the area's breathtaking natural beauty - scenery so stunning that it rivals even that of Switzerland,” one rider told Rudaw.
She added, “Every year, we proudly take part in our festivals dressed in traditional Kurdish attire,” noting that “these equestrian events bring our brothers and sisters together, strengthen our bonds, and support one another.”
Another participant from the Raparin independent administration’s city of Ranya told Rudaw, “This is our first time taking part in this beautiful festival. We truly hope it continues every year,” adding, “The event gave our area a chance to shine and allowed our youth to showcase their talents.”
Horse riding is a central skill in Kurdish folklore, often cited in Kurdish poetry, and is deeply rooted in the historical relationship with horses that represent freedom, honor, and survival in the mountains.
The latter bond dates back centuries to when Kurdish horsemen rode across the Zagros Mountains, which define the geographic backbone of much of Greater Kurdistan, giving rise to the famous saying, “The horse is the brother of the Kurd.”
Moreover, a major highlight of the Karokh Equestrian Festival was its vibrant display of heritage, with attendees wearing traditional attire from various regions of Kurdistan.
Locals told Rudaw that the festival aims not only to spotlight riders’ skills, but also to highlight the rich history and identity of Warte and Kurdistan as a whole.