Thousands of Iraqi Kurds gathered in Irbil on Thursday to mark the birthday of Islam's Prophet Muhammad in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region.

The city center was filled with religious chants and the beat of drums during the celebrations.

Crowds gathered at the historic citadel, where a massive sign bearing the name “Muhammad” was displayed.

Mawlid al-Nabi, meaning the birth of the prophet, is a public holiday and has been celebrated in Iraq for centuries.

Traditional desserts and pastries made for the occasion differ from country to country.

Muslims around the world observe Mawlid on the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal, though the exact day varies depending on the lunar calendar.

The Prophet is believed to have died on the same date as his birth, at the age of 63.

Mawlid al-Nabi is a public holiday in several Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh and parts of India.

AP video shot by Rashid Yahya