Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani extended heartfelt greetings to the Chaldean, Assyrian and Syriac communities on the occasion of Akitu — the ancient Assyrian‑Babylonian New Year (April 1) in a message posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. In his message, Barzani wrote: “I wish our Chaldean, Assyrian, and Syriac brothers and sisters in Kurdistan and around the world a happy Akitu and a blessed new year.”

Celebrated each year on April 1, Akitu is one of the oldest festivals in human history and marks the beginning of the new year for Assyrian, Chaldean and Syriac peoples, symbolizing renewal, fertility and cultural heritage.

Barzani’s congratulatory message reflects the Kurdistan Regional Government’s ongoing emphasis on pluralism, cultural diversity and coexistence among the Region’s many ethnic and religious communities.

Akitu is widely observed with celebrations in parts of northern Iraq and across the broader Middle East and diaspora, where communities come together to honour their shared traditions and history.