Alqosh’s ancient market springs back to life in Third Annual Shuqa Alaya Festival

ALQOSH, Iraq — Beneath the spring sun and the shadow of its ancient hills, the historic town of Alqosh came alive on 9 May with the third edition of the Shuqa Alaya Festival — a vibrant celebration of tradition, community, and cultural resilience. 

Held in the heart of the old market district, the festival was organized under the patronage of the Chaldean Parish of Mar Gorgis. Archbishop Thabet Habib, head of the Chaldean Diocese of Alqosh, delivered an opening address emphasizing unity, the preservation of heritage, and the importance of safeguarding the town’s ancient identity in an evolving world. 

This year’s festival attracted visitors from across Nineveh Plains and members of the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian diaspora returning home to reconnect with their roots. The event offered an opportunity for families and individuals to celebrate their shared heritage and renew ties with their ancestral town. 

The festival showcased the rich tapestry of Alqosh’s traditions, with local artisans displaying intricate embroidery, hand-forged metalwork, and other crafts passed down through generations. Stalls offered a variety of homemade delicacies, including slow-cooked stews, stuffed vegetables, and warm tanoor bread, filling the air with enticing aromas. 

Folk dancers and musicians brought the rhythms of Alqosh’s past to life, transforming the historic market into a vibrant hub of cultural activity. The performances underscored the enduring spirit of the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian community and its commitment to preserving its unique traditions. 

Firmly established as a highlight of the town’s cultural calendar, the Shuqa Alaya Festival represents more than a celebration. It serves as a quiet yet profound act of cultural preservation, affirming the community’s identity, belonging, and continuity in a region deeply affected by displacement and change. 

The festival’s success this year reaffirms Alqosh’s role as a custodian of Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian heritage, offering hope and inspiration to all who cherish its enduring legacy.