Iraq Day Of Tolerance And Coexistence 2024 (Iraq): Iraq Day of Tolerance and Coexistence is annually observed on March 6. Because it is a national holiday, the majority of enterprises and educational institutions are closed. In March 2021, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi proclaimed of the holiday. Encouraging Christians within the nation and fostering peaceful coexistence are the objectives of this initiative.
Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi declared the holiday after the pope’s state visit to the nation. A heartfelt dialogue took place between the pontiff and the prime minister regarding religious affairs, which resulted in the establishment of a new holiday dedicated to peace and tolerance.
The History of Iraq Day of Coexistence and Tolerance
The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, proclaimed March 6, 2021, the Iraq Day of Tolerance and Coexistence. The celebration was marked by the momentous encounter between Pope Francis and Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi in Iraq. It was the first time since the head of the Catholic Church visited the country during Pope Francis’ visit. Both factions concurred that it was of the utmost importance to safeguard the presence of Christians in Iraq through the implementation of appropriate legal measures and to promote religious harmony and confidence among Muslims, Christians, and other faith communities in the country.
The visit of Pope Francis to Iraq was scheduled for 2019. Initially, he intended to embark on a journey to Iraq in the year 2020. The concept was dissuaded due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Before him, other pontiffs have expressed interest in visiting Iraq. Saint John Paul II had intended to conduct a visitation in 2000; however, negotiations with the authorities at that time were unsuccessful.
Despite Iraq being predominantly Muslim, the country currently accommodates Christians. The number of Christians in Iraq has experienced a significant decline over time, falling from around 1.4 million in 2003 to an estimated 500,000 by 2022. Christians were afforded a degree of religious liberty and safeguarding during the tumultuous regime of Saddam Hussein. However, after ISIS seized control of large portions of the nation in 2014, the populace was subjected to heinous persecution. Numerous Iraqi Christians who had been on the run were able to resettle and restore their lives following the defeat of ISIS in 2017.
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FAQs Regarding Iraq Day of Tolerance and Coexistence
Does Iraq contain Catholic churches?
Iraq does have seventeen active dioceses and eparchies at present.
Does Iraq observe the Christmas holiday?
Christmas celebrations do indeed occur in Iraq.
Which Arab nation is the most Christian-populated?
Lebanon is the country with the highest Christian population.
How to celebrate Iraq’s Day of Coexistence and Tolerance.
Engage in the online commemoration
Participate in the holiday celebration hosted online. Inform your acquaintances that you, too, are commending Christians in Iraq.
Contribute to aiding War casualties in Iraq
and help the displaced Iraq War victims who are unable to support themselves. Contribute funds to suitable organizations that can provide these individuals with the assistance they need.
Online access to event ceremonies
Observe the Iraqi people’s celebrations on television or through the internet. This is an excellent method to observe the holiday.
Five Interesting Iraq Facts
A Christian populace of half a million
As per the findings of the European Union Research Services regarding minorities in Iraq, the estimated Christian population stands at approximately 500,000.
A civilization based on petroleum.
Iraq’s economy is heavily dependent on oil, which constitutes over 90% of the country’s government revenue.
Iraq is a wasteland nation.
A mere 12 percent of the arid landmass in Iraq is appropriate for agricultural purposes.
Three significant ethnic communities
Population-wise, the three largest ethnic groups in Iraq are Turkmen, Arabs, and Kurds.
Two recognized languages
Iraq recognizes Arabic and Kurdish as official languages.
IRAQ DAY OF TOLERANCE AND COEXISTENCE DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | March 6 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | March 6 | Thursday |
| 2026 | March 6 | Friday |
| 2027 | March 6 | Saturday |
| 2028 | March 6 | Monday |
