Discover كوردستان

President of the Republic of Mahabad (1946)

Qazi Muhammad was a Kurdish leader who declared the first independent Kurdish state in modern history. Born in Mahabad, he became a prominent religious and political figure advocating for Kurdish rights within Iran.

Key Contributions:

• Established the Republic of Mahabad on January 22, 1946
• Created the Kurdish national flag and anthem
• Fought for Kurdish autonomy and cultural rights
• Executed by Iranian forces on March 31, 1947

Serxwebûn, mafê me ye (Independence is our right)

Though the republic lasted only 11 months, Qazi Muhammad remains a symbol of Kurdish self-determination and resistance.

Revolutionary Leader & Founder of KDP

Mustafa Barzani was the most prominent Kurdish revolutionary leader of the 20th century. Born in Barzan, he dedicated his life to fighting for Kurdish rights and autonomy in Iraq.

Key Achievements:

• Founded the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) in 1946
• Led the Pêşmerge forces in multiple uprisings
• Negotiated the 1970 autonomy agreement with Iraq
• Exiled to Iran (1975-1991) before returning as a hero
• Laid foundation for Kurdish Regional Government

Pêşmerge, parêzvanê Kurdistanê (Pêşmerge, protector of Kurdistan)

His legacy continues through his son Masoud Barzani and the autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

First Kurdish President of Iraq (2005-2014)

Jalal Talabani was a visionary leader who co-founded the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and became the first non-Arab president of Iraq, symbolizing Kurdish integration into Iraqi politics.

Key Milestones:

• Co-founded PUK in 1975 after splitting from KDP
• Led resistance against Saddam Hussein's regime
• Became President of Iraq in 2005
• Advocated for federalism and Kurdish rights within Iraq
• Known for diplomatic skills and bridging ethnic divides

Yekîtî, hêz e (Unity is strength)

His presidency marked a new era for Kurdish participation in Iraqi governance while maintaining strong advocacy for Kurdish autonomy.

Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)

Born in Kobani region, Mézlom Abdi (Mazloum Abdi) emerged as a key military leader in Rojava. He has led Kurdish forces in the fight against ISIS and plays a crucial role in the autonomous administration of North and East Syria.

Key Roles:

• Chief commander of SDF during the battle against ISIS
• Strategic architect of Rojava's defense forces
• Diplomatic representative for Syrian Kurds
• Advocate for democratic confederalism in Syria

Rojava, roja nû (Rojava, new day)

Under his leadership, Kurdish forces played a pivotal role in liberating Raqqa and dismantling the ISIS caliphate, while establishing a model of inclusive governance in Rojava.

Founded: August 16, 1946 by Mustafa Barzani

The oldest and most influential Kurdish political party, KDP has been central to the Kurdish autonomy movement in Iraq for over 75 years.

Key Information:

• Leader: Masoud Barzani (son of founder)
• Ideology: Kurdish nationalism, federalism, market economy
• Stronghold: Erbil and Duhok governorates
• Military Wing: Pêşmerge forces
• Role: Established KRG and pushed for Kurdish rights

Partî, hêza gel e (Party is the people's strength)

KDP maintains significant influence in Iraqi Kurdish politics and has been instrumental in negotiating oil deals and international relations for the Kurdistan Region.

Founded: June 1, 1975 by Jalal Talabani

PUK emerged from a split with KDP and became the second major Kurdish party, advocating for socialism and closer ties with Iran.

Key Information:

• Founder: Jalal Talabani (former Iraqi President)
• Ideology: Social democracy, Kurdish nationalism
• Stronghold: Sulaymaniyah governorate
• Military Wing: Pêşmerge forces (unified with KDP since 1990s)
• Legacy: Co-governed KRG with KDP

Yekîtî, hêz e (Unity is strength)

PUK played a crucial role in armed resistance against Saddam Hussein and later in building the Kurdistan Regional Government through power-sharing agreements.

Founded: 2017 by Shaswar Abdulwahid

NGM emerged as a reformist alternative to the traditional KDP-PUK duopoly, focusing on anti-corruption, transparency, and youth engagement.

Key Information:

• Leader: Shaswar Abdulwahid (businessman-turned-politician)
• Ideology: Reformism, anti-corruption, secularism
• Base: Urban youth and middle class
• Platform: Digital governance, economic reform, independence from tribal politics
• Parliament: 12 seats in Kurdistan Parliament (as of 2023)

Nifşê nû, bîr nû (New generation, new ideas)

NGM represents a modernizing force in Kurdish politics, using social media and grassroots organizing to challenge traditional power structures.

Modern Kurdish Folk Singer & Composer

Ciwan Haco is one of the most influential contemporary Kurdish musicians, blending traditional Kurdish music with modern Western styles. Born in Syria, he gained fame across all parts of Kurdistan.

Musical Journey:

• Began career in 1970s, exiled from Syria in 1979
• Fuses Kurdish folk with rock, jazz, and classical music
• Iconic albums: "Daye" (Mother), "Evina Min" (My Love)
• Lyrics focus on love, exile, Kurdish identity
• Performs in Kurmanji, Sorani, and Arabic

Stran, dengê bêdengan e (Song is the voice of the voiceless)

His music transcends political borders, uniting Kurds through shared cultural heritage and contemporary artistic expression.

Master Dengbêj (Traditional Bard)

Erdewan Zaxoyi is revered as one of the greatest living dengbêj, preserving centuries-old oral traditions of storytelling through song. His voice carries the history of Kurdish resistance and romance.

Artistry:

• Specializes in kilam (epic narrative songs)
• Repertoire includes historical battles and folk tales
• Traditional instruments: tembûr (lute), daf (frame drum)
• Performed at UNESCO events representing Kurdish culture
• Mentors young dengbêj to keep tradition alive

Dengbêj, dîroka me ye (Dengbêj is our history)

His performances are not merely concerts but cultural ceremonies that connect modern Kurds to their ancestral past.

Legend of Classical Kurdish Music

Nazem Hicazi is considered one of the founders of modern Kurdish classical music. His romantic and patriotic songs defined a generation's understanding of Kurdish identity in the mid-20th century.

Legacy:

• Rose to fame in 1950s-60s during golden age of Kurdish music
• Known for powerful voice and emotional delivery
• Classical style influenced by Persian and Arabic maqam
• Iconic songs: "Zâmar", "Xanê Xanê", "Ey Welat"
• Inspired generations of Kurdish singers

Stranbêj, rûhê neteweyê ye (Singer is the soul of the nation)

His recordings remain classics, played at weddings, protests, and cultural celebrations across Kurdistan.

Voice of the Mountains - Traditional Folk Master

Xelîl Xemgîn is celebrated for his authentic representation of mountain folk music, preserving the raw, unfiltered sound of rural Kurdistan. His songs echo the life of shepherds, villagers, and freedom fighters.

Style & Influence:

• Pure folk style without modern fusion
• Lyrics about mountain life, nature, and struggle
• Accompanies himself on tembûr and bilûr (flute)
• Popular among older generation and purists
• Recorded over 200 traditional songs

Çîrokên çiya, di stranan de dijîn (Stories of mountains live in songs)

His music serves as an auditory archive of Kurdish rural life before urbanization.