Skip to main content

Iraqis celebrate addition of Khidr Elias feast to UNESCO heritage list

UNESCO's addition of Iraq's Khidr Elias feast to its Intangible Cultural Heritage List is reviving interest in the religious and social tradition.
Khidr_Elias_Feast.jpg
Read in 

BAGHDAD — City officials plan to renovate the Al-Khidr shrine in Baghdad now that UNESCO has added the Khidr Elias feast to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The Council of Baghdad is allocating funds from the 2017 budget to develop the shrine, according to Adel al-Saidi, a member of the council's Services Committee.

The project will include restoring and expanding the shrine, establishing service facilities and paving the road leading up to the shrine, in addition to designing and installing a garden there. "A national day for the festival will also be set for all Iraqis of different beliefs to celebrate it,” Saidi said.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.