40-day memorial ceremony held to honor martyrs of Baghdede wedding hall fire tragedy

BAGHDEDE, Iraq — In a solemn observance marking 40 days since the tragic wedding hall fire in the Nineveh Plains town of Baghdede (Qaraqosh / Hamdaniya), Iraq, that claimed the lives of over 130 members of the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian community, the Alqosh Youth Forum hosted a memorial ceremony. The ceremony took place in the presence of Chaldean Bishop of the Diocese of Alqosh Mar Boulos Thabet and a large gathering of the town’s residents.

As a tribute to the memory of the martyrs who lost their lives in the heart-wrenching tragedy, the Alqosh Youth Forum gathered on Tuesday to reflect on the painful incident. The event commenced with a minute of silence dedicated to the martyrs of the tragedy. Bishop Thabet delivered a heartfelt speech and recited a poem that paid tribute to the victims.

The ceremony was enriched with a collection of poems and verses by acclaimed poets, adding to the somber yet reflective atmosphere. Church choirs filled the hall with prayerful melodies, while a speech on behalf of the martyrs’ families was delivered by the poet Nimrod Qasha.

The attendees had the opportunity to view a documentary film that recounted the tragic incident, providing a visual narrative of the events. As the gathering drew to a close, the town’s community extended their condolences to the bereaved families, demonstrating unwavering solidarity during this solemn occasion.