Berwari Bala’s famous apples draw visitors to Duhok festival
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The locally grown produce of the mountainous Amedi district of Duhok province, including its famous apples, were promoted at Berwari Bala’s third annual five-day harvest festival that kicked off on Friday.
“We have two varieties of apples here today: the American apples and green apples. But there are more varieties of apples like Lebanon apple, yellow apples, moqassar apples,“ said Dilovan Derishki, a local farmer and vendor at the festival.
This year’s edition of Berwari Bala’s festival is larger than ever and includes 200 vendor stands showcasing products from all four parts of Kurdistan. This area is famous for its delicious apples. Five different varieties of apples were on display at the festival, all with unique colours and tastes.
“We are here and can find all kinds of products, thanks be to God. It is up to you to decide what you want to buy, what is delicious or what is good. Figs from Akre are very good,” said Abdullah Nerwayi, a veteran Peshmerga visiting the festival.
Shirin Berwari, a resident of Berwari Bala, admired the products and showed interest in buying many things. “Kurdish almonds, walnuts, Zhazhi cheese, whatever I like, I will buy,” she said.
Local artists kept visitors entertained, playing Kurdish music.
Hassan Sharif, a musician who is originally from the area, sang a song called Mountains and announced new music that will be released at the end of November.
“This is a beautiful event for all of Kurdistan, especially here in my hometown. I see that every year this is becoming an international event, and it was a pleasure for me,” said Sharif.
Singer Chopy Fatah also performed.
The Duhok and Alqosh national art groups also performed.
The festival also showcased locally made handicrafts and the works of skilled artisans.
[Source: Rûdaw English]
