Kurdish political parties in Kirkuk are organizing events this month to commemorate four important occasions, including the lighting of the Newroz fire at Kirkuk Castle.
Each March, the Kurdish community observes the anniversaries of Anfal, the Halabja chemical attack, Raperin (the 1991 uprising), and Newroz. These events are marked with various ceremonies and activities across the region. Last week, Kurdish parties in Kirkuk met to coordinate preparations.
Rawand Mullah Mahmoud, head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) headquarters in Kirkuk, stated, “These anniversaries belong to the Kurdish people as a whole, not to any single political party. Therefore, we stand united in commemorating them.”
The Anfal Campaign
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has designated March 14 as the official day to remember the victims of the Anfal campaign, which the Kurdistan government and parliament have recognized as genocide.
In 1988, the Ba’ath regime under Saddam Hussein carried out the Anfal operations in eight stages, targeting Kurdish communities across the Kurdistan Region and Kirkuk province.
The Halabja Chemical Attack
On March 16, 1988, the Ba’ath regime launched a chemical attack on Halabja in Sulaimaniya province, killing more than 5,000 civilians, according to the KRG. The effects of this tragedy continue to impact survivors.
The Iraqi government has declared March 16 a national day of remembrance for the crimes committed by the Ba’ath regime, including Halabja, Anfal, mass graves, the Sha’baniyah uprising, and the assassination of political and intellectual figures.
Across the Kurdistan Region of Iraq KRI and disputed territories, Kurdish communities hold ceremonies to honor the victims of both Anfal and Halabja.
March 1991 Uprising (Liberation of Kirkuk)
The March 1991 Kurdish uprising, which led to the liberation of the Kurdistan Region and parts of disputed territories from Ba’athist control, is also commemorated annually. On March 20, 1991, Peshmerga forces entered Kirkuk and briefly took control of the city.
This anniversary coincides with Newroz celebrations. Each year, the Newroz flame is lit atop Kirkuk Citadel to mark the Kurdish New Year. People dress in traditional Kurdish attire, sing national songs, perform dances, and raise the Kurdistan flag in celebration.
Mahmoud emphasized the importance of unity during this period, stating that cohesion within Kurdish society—and within Iraq as a whole—is essential, particularly amid regional instability. He urged political parties to prioritize solidarity and safeguard the interests of their people.
