Iraqi Kurds carrying torches gathered on top of Mount Aqrah on Saturday evening to celebrate Nowruz.
Abdul Aziz Ramadan, one of those celebrating the occasion, says that this day marks the beginning of the spring season and the Persian New Year, and it is an important holiday in Kurdish culture.
It symbolizes freedom and an end to slavery.
He added, "Nowruz is a national and historical holiday for the Kurds, as it is a symbol of freedom, starting with the story of the Kurdish leader Kawa Al-Haddad, who fought the unjust king and brought freedom to his people. Therefore, we Kurds celebrate March 20 on Nowruz night, when we come to the top of this mountain; Mount Aqrah, and we lit a fire as a sign of freedom and salvation from oppression and slavery.
Nowruz is an important holiday celebrated by millions around the world, from Turkey and Iraq to parts of South and Central Asia.
Nowruz is a national and historic holiday for the Kurds (Anatolia)
Fewer people gathered on the top of the mountain this year compared to previous years, and Ramadan says that the general isolation measures taken by the authorities in Iraqi Kurdistan have led to a decrease in the number this year.
"Certainly, the numbers are few, because of the measures taken by the Kurdistan region. Of course, there are concerns. The numbers are few and the people who left here are all carrying masks and taking care of themselves as much as possible."
Fireworks were lit in the night sky to continue the celebration.