Erbil, Kurdistan Region - In an announcement made by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), Wednesday, July 19, 2023, has been officially declared as the first day of the Islamic New Year. As a result, all institutions in the Kurdistan Region will observe Wednesday as a bank holiday.

The decision to mark the Islamic New Year as a public holiday aims to facilitate religious observances and allow individuals to commemorate the beginning of the new Islamic year. The KRG Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs encourages citizens to use this day for reflection, prayer, and spending time with loved ones.

Throughout the Kurdistan Region, various institutions, including government offices, schools, banks, and businesses, will remain closed on Wednesday, July 19. The public is advised to plan their activities and transactions accordingly to avoid any inconvenience.

Normal work routines are set to resume on Thursday, July 20, 2023, in all institutions across the Kurdistan Region. Employees are expected to report back to work as usual, and services will resume their regular operations.

The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year or Muharram, marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar. It holds significance for Muslims worldwide, symbolizing a time for reflection, renewal, and personal growth.

In light of this declaration, the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs urges all citizens to observe the occasion with reverence and to extend their warmest wishes for a prosperous and blessed year ahead.

As the Islamic New Year holiday approaches, residents and visitors in the Kurdistan Region are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the public holiday's implications and plan their activities accordingly. The KRG Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs wishes everyone a joyous and meaningful celebration of the Islamic New Year.