The Peak of Summer festival traditionally is celebrated by breaking 40 days of fasting with a feast at the holy temple of Lalish. Those present are granted atonement for their sins, according to the Yazidi faith.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Mir, the Spiritual Council, and all Yezidis in the Kurdistan Region, rest of Iraq, and around the globe as they celebrate the Yezidi Midsummer holiday. May your holiday be filled with peace and joy,” read a statement from the president’s office.
Yazidis, a vulnerable population in Iraq and Syria, were subjected to countless heinous atrocities, including forced marriages, sexual violence, and massacres when the Islamic State (ISIS) captured Sinjar in 2014, bringing destruction to many villages and towns populated by the minority group. Many Yazidis were forced to flee to displacement camps into the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, where many still remain.
“We reaffirm our unwavering dedication to serving as supporters, protectors, and advocates for the rights and demands of our Yezidi community,” the statement added. “We promise to work tirelessly to meet their demands in every aspect.
The Kurdish premier also congratulated the Yazidis on the holiday, reaffirming the support of the Kurdistan Regional Government.
“I warmly extend my congratulations to all the Yazidi sisters and brothers of Kurdistan and the world, especially the esteemed Mir of the Yazidis and Baba Sheikh and the spiritual community,” read a statement from his office.
