Category: Iraqi
Norooz: the Persian New Year
The Persian New Year holiday, alternately spelled Norouz, Nowruz, Nevruz, Newruz, or Navruz, coincides with the rebirth of nature on the first day of spring. It is celebrated by some communities on March 21st, or on the exact day of the vernal equinox, which occurs on March 20th, 21st or 22nd. Traditions include spring cleaning, [...] Read More »
Karbala and the Arbeen Celebrations
Karbala, also spelled Kerbala, Kerbela or Karbila, is a city in Iraq, located about 60 miles (100 km) southwest of Baghdad. It is one of the holiest cities for Shi’a Muslims because it holds the shrine of the martyred Imam Husayn ibn Ali. Husayn’s death in the Battle of Karbala in 680, and [...] Read More »
Ashura
Ashura, which falls on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar, is a recommended day of fasting for Sunni Muslims, and a day of mourning for Shi’ites. The word “ashura” means “tenth” in Arabic. The holiday marks several historical events, including the day that Moses fasted to thank [...] Read More »
BBC to Link School Children Around the World on December 6
On December 6, 2006, BBC News 24 plans to link and facilitate discussions among school children across various troubled and conflicting regions around the world. The children will be entirely responsible for driving the discussion and asking questions of their counterparts. Areas to be linked include:
Baghdad, Iraq - London, UK
Urban - rural China
Abuja, [...] Read More »
