International Peace Carnival, a first for Kurdistan, kicks off Tuesday
"Research by the Institute of Economics and Peace showed that only 2 billion dollars of global expenditure goes into peacebuilding when 9 billion dollars is spent on ice cream and 136 billion dollars goes towards wars, conflicts and security,” said Hastiar Sheikhani, a co-founder of Middle East Sustainable Peace Organization (MESPO) which is hosting the event with Yalla Kurdi.
The International Day of Peace falls on September 21 and is commemorated annually as a "day of global ceasefire and non-violence."
The first carnival will take place in Erbil on Tuesday, in Duhok on Thursday, in Sulaimani on Friday, and in Halabja on Saturday.
Each carnival is a one day when people will be introduced to different cultures from around the world through international cuisines, musical performances, art exhibitions and other activities.
"We are trying to introduce people to other people's traditions and cultures through the food," explained Sheikhani.
He explained that the carnival will begin with sampling of international cuisines from more than 10 nations including Kurdistan, India, China, France, and Lebanon among others. There will also be an art showcase.
"They are all representing our main values which are peace, diversity, coexistence, peace education, women’s empowerment, basically human values," Sheikhani said. "It's not just an art gallery. They all have meanings relevant to what we are doing."
Several diplomatic missions will also be present at the event. Traditional dance and musical performances will take place.
"One of our main themes is preservation of cultural heritage," he explained.
The carnival will end with a final performance by the famous Kurdish singer, Hani, who will be collaborating with local and international musicians to provide music in different languages mixing Middle Eastern and European styles.
The Partnership for Peace Coalition collaborates with more than 70 different organizations surrounding the International Day of Peace to provide peace-themed activities worldwide for local communities.
MESPO is the only Kurdistan-based organization to provide such activities and expects to attract more than 15,000 people to the carnivals.
Some 800 volunteers in the four cities have worked since March to organize the event.
The entry fee is 5,000 dinars and 3,000 dinars for students. Peshmerga and families of martyrs have free entry.
"Every penny we make will go back into peacebuilding projects," Sheikhani said. "If we raise enough funds, we will also try to create some jobs for the youth here.
"Our message is that we have hope for this country and this region. Instead of leaving it for the goods of the West, we are staying here and we are trying to make this a better place."
Rudaw The first carnival will take place in Erbil on Tuesday, in Duhok on Thursday, in Sulaimani on Friday, and in Halabja on Saturday.
Each carnival is a one day when people will be introduced to different cultures from around the world through international cuisines, musical performances, art exhibitions and other activities.
"We are trying to introduce people to other people's traditions and cultures through the food," explained Sheikhani.
He explained that the carnival will begin with sampling of international cuisines from more than 10 nations including Kurdistan, India, China, France, and Lebanon among others. There will also be an art showcase.
"They are all representing our main values which are peace, diversity, coexistence, peace education, women’s empowerment, basically human values," Sheikhani said. "It's not just an art gallery. They all have meanings relevant to what we are doing."
Several diplomatic missions will also be present at the event. Traditional dance and musical performances will take place.
"One of our main themes is preservation of cultural heritage," he explained.
The carnival will end with a final performance by the famous Kurdish singer, Hani, who will be collaborating with local and international musicians to provide music in different languages mixing Middle Eastern and European styles.
The Partnership for Peace Coalition collaborates with more than 70 different organizations surrounding the International Day of Peace to provide peace-themed activities worldwide for local communities.
MESPO is the only Kurdistan-based organization to provide such activities and expects to attract more than 15,000 people to the carnivals.
Some 800 volunteers in the four cities have worked since March to organize the event.
The entry fee is 5,000 dinars and 3,000 dinars for students. Peshmerga and families of martyrs have free entry.
"Every penny we make will go back into peacebuilding projects," Sheikhani said. "If we raise enough funds, we will also try to create some jobs for the youth here.
"Our message is that we have hope for this country and this region. Instead of leaving it for the goods of the West, we are staying here and we are trying to make this a better place."
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