BYARA, Kurdistan Region — Diar Rashid, owner of a small café in Byara, a tourist town in Halabja province’s Hawraman area on the Iranian border, is witnessing a surge in business as the village vies for international recognition as a world-class tourist destination.
With Byara competing alongside Rawanduz in a significant global contest, the local market has seen a 50% increase in activity, according to Rashid.
“In my view, Byara winning first place would be the most beneficial outcome for our market,” Rashid remarked, highlighting the competition’s significance for the local economy. The village’s spectacular natural scenery and culturally vibrant market have attracted tourists from various regions.
One tourist visiting from Darbandikhan expressed admiration for Byara’s attraction and spiritual significance. “It is both a charming tourist destination and a place of sacred significance,” the tourist said.
Byara serves as a hub for cultural, natural, and religious tourism, with its Khanaqa playing a crucial role. Religious scholar Awat Naqashbandi has proposed the formal recognition of certificates from local religious institutions and the establishment of a large manuscript library in Byara to draw more visitors.
During a recent visit by the Iraqi Tourism Committee, local authorities were encouraged to organize a forum to celebrate the town’s diverse communities.
Hawraman Jalal, spokesperson for the Halabja Tourism Directorate, affirmed Byara’s potential to become a global tourist village, citing its favorable climate, rich agriculture, vibrant culture, abundant water sources, and significant religious sites.
Jalal stated, “I can say that Byara has all the characteristics, and more, to become a prominent tourist village both within Iraq and globally.”
Byara and Erbil’s Rawanduz district are anticipated to compete in Saudi Arabia for the coveted designation, with hopes high that Byara will achieve its goal of becoming a global tourism village.
Byara, a cultural and natural tourism hub in Halabja province's Hawraman area, is vying for the title of global tourism village in Saudi Arabia. Byara offers a favorable climate, rich agriculture, vibrant culture, abundant water, and a significant religious site.
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— Zoom News (@zoomnewskrd) August 12, 2024
Reporting by Avin Atta, Zoom News reporter in Halabja province.
