Explore the latest news, articles, and updates from our editorial team.
With broad participation, the National Campaign for Cleaning “Darband” was successfully carried out. On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, with the aim of protecting the environment and preserving the natural beauty of the area, an extensive cleaning campaign of the tourist site “Darband” was successfully implemented. This campaign was organized under the direct supervision of the Raparin Administration, by the General Directorate of Tourism in Raparin, in coordination with the General Directorate of Municipalities in Raparin. The campaign witnessed the participation of Bivan and Deyan environmental companies, civil society organizations, volunteers, as well as a notable number of governmental and party officials, alongside local residents. Participants worked hand in hand to collect waste and clean Darband, sending a strong message of fostering environmental awareness and demonstrating that protecting nature is a shared responsibility for all. The General Directorate of Tourism in Raparin extends its deepest gratitude and appreciation to all participants, stakeholders, volunteers, and environmental advocates who devoted their efforts with sincerity to this cause.
The Darband Equestrian Festival: This was the first organized festival of its kind in the Raparin region, held at Darband Ranya on November 8, 2024. The event was conducted under the supervision of the General Directorate of Tourism in Raparin and in coordination with the local horseman (Farman Abubakr). It saw significant participation from government and political officials, tourists, and horse-riding enthusiasts. The festival featured several unique and special performances by horsemen and authentic Kurdish horses, capturing the attention of the audience. The primary objective was to attract tourists and promote the tourist sites of the region, particularly Darband Ranya. At the conclusion of the festival, honorary awards were presented to a group of participating horsemen who had traveled from various cities and towns across the Kurdistan Region and Eastern Kurdistan.
The First Darband Tourism Festival: On August 25, 2017, organized by the Raparin Tourism Directorate in coordination with several relevant local institutions, thousands of tourists participated in the event. The festival was designed to introduce the attractive tourist areas within the Raparin Independent Administration and familiarize tourists and visitors with the region's tourist sites. It featured various engaging activities and programs, which participants and visitors viewed as a completely unique initiative, expressing their hopes for the further development of the tourism sector in the area.
The General Directorate of Tourism in Raparin and the Qaladze Heritage and Cultural House Organization, in coordination with the Halsho District Directorate and the Halsho Municipality, organized the First Halsho Tourism Festival for handicrafts, local products, and Kurdish cuisine, showcasing the authentic heritage of the region. The festival was held with a significant presence of political and government officials, as well as local dignitaries. Simultaneously, hundreds of tourists and visitors from various cities and towns flocked to this tourist area. This activity was a significant turning point for the region, as it was the first time the Halsho resort welcomed tourists on such a large and noticeable scale, becoming an important hub for displaying the culture and local products of the Raparin district.
The First "Pari" Tourism Festival for Handicrafts, Kurdish Cuisine, and Local Products: The festival was held at Darwaza Park on November 23, 2023, organized by the General Directorate of Tourism in Raparin in partnership with the Karimi Alaka Foundation. It was inaugurated in the presence of (Amal Jalal), the Head of the Kurdistan Tourism Board, along with government and political officials from the Raparin Administration, with the participation of a large number of local and foreign tourists and visitors. The event lasted for three days, attracting approximately 20,000 tourists and visitors who came to purchase handicrafts and local products, an initiative aimed at creating job opportunities for the skilled women of the region. The festival showcased various handicrafts, diverse skills, traditional Kurdish food, and cultural displays by talented women. This festival was specifically dedicated to highlighting the capabilities and talents of women in the Raparin district.
