3rd Festival of Alqosh Old Market
Celebrating heritage and culture in the heart of the city
By Hanan Qia
On May 9, 2025, the third annual Alqosh Old Market Festival took place under the patronage of the Parish of Mar Gewargis Church. The event drew wide participation from local residents as well as members of the diaspora who returned from abroad to celebrate their cultural roots. The festival opened with heartfelt remarks from His Excellency Bishop Thabet Polous Meko and Father Rudi Saffar, both of whom emphasized the importance of preserving Alqosh’s rich heritage and enduring cultural identity.
This year’s festival brought Alqosh’s storied past to life through immersive and imaginative experiences. Among the highlights was a vivid theatrical reenactment of merchant caravans—Karwen—arriving from neighboring towns, echoing the bustling trade that once animated the historic market. Attendees were transported further into the past with a hands-on demonstration of traditional grain grinding using a hand-cranked mill.
In a deeply evocative scene, women carrying clay water jars moved gracefully through the market, recreating the rhythms of everyday life from a bygone era. The performances not only entertained but sparked reflection on the resilience and beauty of heritage preserved through storytelling and craft.
The festival featured a vibrant array of traditional folk dances and artisanal handicrafts, proudly showcased by the residents of Alqosh alongside participants from neighboring communities. A crowd favorite was the live tanoor bread baking, a cherished culinary tradition that drew eager onlookers with its warm, familiar aroma and interactive presentation.
Adding to the festive ambiance, a group of local musicians performed live instrumental pieces throughout the day, infusing the event with an authentic and spirited soundtrack that celebrated the cultural heartbeat of the region.
Running from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., the festival drew widespread media coverage from several satellite channels and welcomed dozens of Alqosh natives who had returned from abroad. Many attendees expressed joy at the opportunity to reconnect with their roots and take part in celebrating the rich cultural legacy of their hometown.