People and Events on February 1, 2004

No famous people were born on this date, but there may be notable events you would find interesting below.

The Turbulent Tapestry of February 1st, 2004

February 1st, 2004, was a day etched in the annals of history, marked by tragedy, violence, and milestones that would have far-reaching consequences. This day would witness a devastating stampede during the Hajj pilgrimage, twin suicide bombings in Erbil, and notable birthdays that would shape the world of entertainment and politics.

A Day of Devastation

The Hajj pilgrimage, a sacred ritual in Islam, turned into a tragic event when a stampede in Mina, Saudi Arabia, claimed the lives of 251 people. The incident occurred during the ritual of stoning the devil, a crucial part of the Hajj, and was attributed to overcrowding and mismanagement.

Bombs Rock Erbil

In the Kurdish city of Erbil, Iraq, twin suicide bombings targeted the offices of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, killing 108 people and injuring over 200. The attack was carried out by the terrorist group Ansar al-Sunnah, and it marked one of the deadliest incidents in the region since the fall of Saddam Hussein.

Born to Shine

February 1st, 2004, was also a special day for two individuals who would go on to make their mark in the world of entertainment and politics.

A Legacy of Music

February 1st, 2004, also marked the 5th anniversary of the death of Richie Havens, an American folk singer and guitarist. Havens was a pioneer of the 1960s folk scene and is best known for his iconic performance at the Woodstock festival in 1969.

In conclusion, February 1st, 2004, was a day of contrasting events, marked by tragedy, violence, and milestones that would have a lasting impact on the world. As we reflect on this day, we are reminded of the importance of unity, peace, and the power of human resilience.

Noteworthy Events on this Day:
21 years ago
Hajj Pilgrimage Stampede Kills 251 (Mina, Saudi Arabia) 2004
Saudi Arabia's holiest Islamic site, Mina, turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy as pilgrims from around the world converged on the Jamarat Bridge, marking the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage. In the frenzy, 251 devotees lost their lives, crushed beneath the feet of their fellow worshippers, while 244 more suffered severe injuries. The annual Islamic ritual, meant to symbolize the stoning of the devil, instead became a horrific example of crowd control gone catastrophically wrong.
21 years ago
Twin Suicide Bombs Rock Kurdish Offices in Erbil (Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq) 2004
In the heart of Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, a sinister plot unfolded as two suicide bombers, sent by the militant group Jama'at al-Tawhid wal-Jihad, targeted the offices of two prominent Kurdish political parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). The coordinated attack, a rarity in the usually tranquil city, killed at least 56 people and injured over 200, marking one of the deadliest incidents in post-war Iraq. The brazen assault shocked the Kurdish community, which had enjoyed relative stability compared to other parts of the country.