IRAQ: Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian of Alqosh in Nineveh Plains host market festival to preserve cultural heritage

ALQOSH, Iraq — On 4 April, the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people of Alqosh, located in northern Nineveh Plains in Iraq, held the Alqosh Market Festival. The event was attended by residents from other regions and Alqosh residents who came from the diaspora.

The inauguration of the festival was held under the patronage of Chaldean Archbishop Mor Bulos Thabet and Father Khuroyo Rody al-Safar, in coordination with Alqosh’s youth and the Mor Mikha Charitable Committee.

The festival included various activities such as the opening of shops in the old market to showcase traditional productions, crafts, and food. Folk dances and songs were performed to celebrate the opening.

During his speech, Archbishop Thabet called on all organizations concerned with the legacy of cultures and civilizations to support the Alqosh Market Festival and help revitalize the town’s old market. He also mentioned that the Church has a reconstruction plan for the market, which hosts trades and crafts, to preserve the authentic culture of the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people.

In other news, the Mor Mikha Society in Mishagen presented a shield to Archbishop Thabet and Father Rody al-Safar — head of the Mor Mikha Charitable Committee —during their Monday visit to the Alqosh Archdiocese Monday. They discussed the situation of youth in Alqosh and how to work together for the interest and service of the region.