holiday

Somalia Restores Islamic Holiday Opposed by Strict Muslims

Somalia’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs on Thursday officially reinstated the public holiday of Mawlid al-Nabi, which celebrates the birthday of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad. The holiday was effectively driven underground by Islamist militants decades ago, because followers of certain Muslim traditions consider the observance to be distasteful or heretical.

Title: Somalia Mawlid Image ID: 25247706012539 Article: Residents raise green flags as the

Turkmenistan Bans New Year Celebrations

The authoritarian government of Turkmenistan, which normally holds exuberant New Year celebrations, this week ordered residents of the capital city of Ashgabat to ramp down their festivities, banned state companies from holding New Year’s parties, ordered restaurants to shut down by 9:00 p.m., and even banned parties in private homes.

Lightning decorations are seen during the Christmas preparations on the streets of Ashgaba