The annual Amedi tahini festival in northern Duhok drew thousands of visitors. It turned the historic mountain town into a lively hub of food, culture, and local craftsmanship. The two-day event celebrated Amedi’s long tradition of making high-quality tahini and other homemade products. Organizers said the festival welcomed nearly 50,000 visitors and sold about 25 tons of tahini.
Local shopkeeper Chra Amedi said he brought 500 tons of tahini to the event and sold half of it. He said the strong demand shows how much people value Amedi’s traditional goods. Many attendees bought tahini, khabis, sweets, and other local items.
Festivalgoer Hiba Luqman enjoyed exploring the stalls and meeting producers. She purchased several products and praised the festival’s lively atmosphere. She described it as one of the most enjoyable events she has attended.
The Amedi tahini festival also offered music, folk dances, and cultural shows. These activities brought color to the town and attracted visitors of all ages. Another attendee, Hayfa Amedi, said this year’s edition looked more organized and more crowded than the previous two. She noted clear improvements in preparation.
The festival has grown quickly since its start in 2023. Organizers say attendance and participation have more than doubled. They credit strong community support and rising interest in Amedi’s local industry. Festival organizer Karwan Amedi said residents and producers plan to expand the event each year.
Amedi is home to 34 tahini grinders. Many of them operate partly on hydroelectric power. These small factories produce hundreds of tons of sesame paste each year. The town exports its tahini to markets in the Netherlands and the United States.
Hakar Hamid, head of the Amedi agriculture directorate, said the festival plays a key role in promoting local products. He added that it also helps boost the region’s agricultural economy.
