10 March Marked as Kurdish National Costume Day Across the Kurdistan Region

PUKMEDIA

Students and lecturers wearing Kurdish traditional clothing on 10 March.

10 March is observed as Kurdish National Costume Day throughout the Kurdistan Region. While widely celebrated, the day has not been formally established by law. It began as a ministerial decision and later spread across institutions in the region without legal obligation.

According to a research conducted by PUKMEDIA, the Kurdistan Parliament has not passed any bill or legislation officially declaring 10 March as Kurdish National Costume Day.

The initiative dates back to 2011, when the Kurdistan Region's Ministry of Education proposed that students wear Kurdish traditional clothing on this day. The proposal later became a ministerial decision, encouraging teachers and students in higher education institutions to take part.

Over time, the tradition expanded beyond schools and universities to include government offices and other institutions, becoming an annual cultural occasion despite the absence of a legal requirement. The timing of the day is also linked to preparations for the Kurdish New Year and Newroz celebrations.

Kurdish traditional clothing, alongside the Kurdish flag and homeland, is regarded as one of the most prominent symbols of Kurdish identity.

Men’s traditional clothing typically includes the starkhani, marakhani, rank w chogha, shall, and katafi, while women’s traditional attire includes the kawa, salta, helak, and awalkras. Designs and styles have evolved over time.

Kurdish people commonly wear traditional clothing during cultural and national, or even casual occasions, such as parties, gatherings, and weddings. Many people, especially the older generation, only wear traditional clothing in their daily lives. 

Each part of Kurdistan has its own distinctive styles, with clothing traditions differing between the north, south, east, and west of Kurdistan.

In spring, particularly during the lead-up to Newroz, many people also prepare by sewing new traditional Kurdish outfits.



PUKMEDIA