The historic first Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast launched in Erbil under the oak tree emblem adorned with Kurdish flag colors. KDP President Masoud Barzani joined approximately 600 regional and international leaders for the three-day event themed “The Way to Unity in Faith.”
Origins and Purpose of the National Prayer Breakfast
The National Prayer Breakfast honors and commemorates peaceful coexistence among Kurdistan Region’s diverse communities and religions. Beginning at 7:00 AM and continuing until evening, the event features both prayers and speeches. Its core objectives include promoting solidarity and respect among adherents of different faiths, religious freedom, coexistence, and bringing together spiritual voices and religious figures.
This tradition, an annual occasion typically held in Washington DC on the first Thursday of February, gathers political leaders, diplomats, and religious figures worldwide. Nations outside the US host their versions according to their schedules. The concept originated in 1953 during President Dwight Eisenhower’s administration and is traditionally hosted by Congressional members while organized by The Fellowship Foundation, a Christian organization.
International Participation and Significance
Approximately 600 participants gathered in Erbil, with 300-400 traveling from the United States alone. KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani serves as founder and organizing committee member alongside Nadine Maenza, president of the International Organization for Religious Freedom Support, who previously headed the US International Religious Commission.
“Kurdistan holds a special place in my heart,” Maenza told Rudaw. “It’s a homeland resembling a mosaic of diverse religions and nationalities with a beautiful history of peaceful coexistence.” She added, “Despite ongoing regional challenges facing Kurdistan, I’m delighted to participate in this National Prayer Breakfast bringing together Christian leaders and those of other faiths from both the region and globally to pray for the people of Iraq and the broader area.”
The two-day gathering features religious figures and leaders from Kurdistan Region, Iraq, the Middle East, Europe, and America. On Thursday, participants will visit mosques, churches, Lalish Temple, and other symbolic religious sites representing Kurdistan’s diverse faiths.
Kurdistan’s Commitment to Religious Diversity
Former Slovak Prime Minister and Chairman of the Event Eduard Heger expressed gratitude to Kurdistan’s government for the invitation, emphasizing the significance of gathering in spiritual unity. Hemin Hawrami, co-chair of the advisory board of the National Prayer Breakfast, highlighted President Barzani’s championing of inclusive representation across Kurdistan Regional Government and Parliament institutions.
“President of KDP Masoud Barzani consistently insisted that rights of all communities must be recognized and protected in the Iraqi Constitution,” Hawrami stated. “He continuously advocated for the rights of all components of society—not as a favor, but as a fundamental right.” He described Kurdistan as “a beacon of hope standing for peaceful coexistence, democracy, human rights, and rule of law—principles defining our identity.”
Bayan Sami Abdulrahman KRG Representative in US noted the profound simplicity behind the National Prayer Breakfast concept, describing it as “a time of pause, reflection, and joining together in prayer for our people, our leaders, and our future.”
The US-originated tradition has evolved into an important diplomatic tool for cultivating special relationships among leaders. In 2020, Congress renamed it the “National Prayer Meeting” to redefine its role, though Kurdistan maintains the traditional name while embracing its spirit of unity amid diversity.
