ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A mass wedding ceremony for 450 couples was held across the Kurdistan Region’s northern Duhok province on Sunday as part of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), making it one of the Region’s largest annual marriage initiatives.
The ceremonies were held simultaneously in Duhok’s Amedi, Akre, Sheikhan and Zakho districts as part of an initiative launched three years ago on the recommendation of KDP leader Masoud Barzani and overseen by senior Peshmerga commander Mansour Barzani.
“Our relationship began about three to four months ago, and we decided to get married,” one groom, Hoshyar Hassan, told Rudaw. “We are paternal cousins, and we have now begun our married life together.”
The celebrations featured traditional wedding customs, music and cultural performances. One of the most notable moments was the appearance of a bride and groom attending the ceremony in Duhok Sports Club jerseys.
“Honestly, it was my idea,” groom Jalal Mohammad said. “Miss Dilvin brought it up in a group chat, and I said I would do it. There were no issues. We did not know it would turn out like this in the hall, but it just happened.”
The event brought together eligible participants from different backgrounds, with the aim of supporting young people by covering their wedding expenses.
Sarbast Lazgin, head of the KDP organizational office in the city, told Rudaw, “We have made no distinction based on ethnicity, religion or any other factor among the candidates as they begin their married lives.”
“If God grants us the opportunity, we are determined to continue this initiative,” Lazgin added.
Meanwhile, Omar Oray, head of the KDP’s Branch 8 in Zakho, said, “This marks the opening of a new chapter in life for 90 couples in Zakho.”
“We extend our thanks to President [Masoud] Barzani for the importance he places on young people, and we thank Commander Mansour Barzani for taking responsibility for organizing this ceremony. I urge you to build your lives on a foundation of love and respect.”
The 2026 initiative included 150 couples from Duhok, 90 from Zakho, 90 from Akre and Bardarash, 60 from Amedi, and 60 from Sheikhan.
Officials said thousands of young people have registered their interest in participating in the program, which covers all wedding expenses. Special committees were formed to oversee the process and ensure transparency.
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