The second annual Tahini “Rashi” and Local Products Festival opened today in Amadiya, Duhok Province, with the event showcasing the area’s rich agricultural products and local crafts. Running through Friday evening, the festival brings together 60 stalls featuring locally-produced tahini, pomegranates, rice, traditional sweets, and more. Attendees can also enjoy a range of artistic and cultural performances.

This year’s event highlights Amadiya’s sesame farming success, with over 800 dunams cultivated, yielding more than 240 tons of sesame seeds. The region’s sesame mills, totaling 34 and powered by either water wheels or electricity, have produced 600 tons of premium tahini, recognized for its distinctive taste and quality.

Notably, Amadiya is expanding its global reach with 65 tons of tahini set for export to the Netherlands and 25 tons to the United States this year, underscoring the international appeal of this unique local product.