ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – The Kurdistan Region’s top leaders on Saturday sent out congratulatory messages to Yazidis on the occasion of Midsummer holidays, reiterating their continued support for the ethnoreligious minority group.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani wished Yazidis everywhere a happy Midsummer, expressing wishes for a better future for the community.

“I wish a better future for the Yazidi brothers and sisters, and we reiterate the support of the Kurdistan Regional Government for their legitimate rights and demands,” wrote the Kurdish premier.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also congratulated the Yazidis on Midsummer, wishing them peaceful and joyous holidays.

“I reassure all our Yazidi brothers and sisters that we will support and protect their rights as always and that Kurdistan will remain a country of coexistence for all its communities,” read the message from the Kurdistan Region president.

The Yazidi community has been subjected to countless atrocities throughout history but they have managed to preserve their faith and culture through their traditional holidays, commemorating each holiday with its own religious rituals and festive celebrations.

The Midsummer festival, one of the most significant events in the Yazidi calendar, marks the 40^th day of the summer season, during which members of the community fast for three consecutive days.