Ihsan Amidi
The Kurds are considered among the most ancient peoples of the Middle East. They have inhabited the land of Kurdistan since the dawn of history and have been characterized by loyalty, sincerity of intention, and respect for others, regardless of their ethnic, national, or religious affiliation. The Kurds have never harbored expansionist ambitions or intentions to occupy or plunder the property of others; they have only sought to live in their homeland with safety, freedom, and dignity.
The Kurds possess all the elements of nationhood and the foundations necessary for state-building. They are distinguished from other peoples by established geographical, human, linguistic, cultural, and behavioral characteristics. Moreover, they are a flexible people who interact positively with various social components and groups.
President Barzani wrote in his book For History:
“The Kurdish people have a history, geography, language, culture, and distinct customs and traditions. They have lived on their land for thousands of years, and throughout history they have adhered to the principles of tolerance and coexistence. The culture of coexistence with other nationalities and religions, deeply rooted in their history, is a source of pride and honor. Over the past five hundred years, this people has been subjected to numerous attempts of assimilation and extermination, yet they have survived them all.”
Five centuries ago, the land of the Kurds was divided between the Ottoman and Safavid empires. After the First World War, it was distributed—without the will of its inhabitants—among four states. This division produced highly complex geopolitical realities. The legitimate rights of the Kurds were not recognized in any of these parts; rather, their very existence was denied. These misguided policies led to prolonged conflicts in which governments failed to eliminate the Kurds, and the Kurds were unable to overthrow those governments. Much blood was shed, and the peoples of the region, along with peace and stability, became the first victims.
This tragic reality requires both sides to undertake self-reflection and to consider democratic and peaceful solutions instead of war and denial. Due to the conditions imposed over the past century, each part of Kurdistan has acquired its own particular characteristics. The problems of any one part cannot serve as an ideal solution for the others; rather, the issues of each part must be addressed according to its objective particularities and internal conditions, within the framework of dialogue and peaceful democratic methods.
This division cast its heavy shadow over the Kurdish national liberation movement throughout the past century, as well as over the political movements, armed revolutions, and severe tragedies witnessed in its four parts. The Kurds succeeded only in Southern Kurdistan, attached to Iraq, in establishing the Kurdistan Region as a constitutional national entity recognized internationally, carrying within it the potential for development and growth.
In Western Kurdistan there exists a liberated area under local authority; however, it lives in a state of continuous ambiguity and faces threats from the government in Damascus and neighboring states. In Northern Kurdistan, the sacrifices of half a century of struggle led to the acceptance of a fragile and wavering peace process that contained no reference to Kurdish national rights. In Eastern Kurdistan, repressive policies have dominated the entire scene and imposed silence over Kurdish rights there.
Despite all of this, the Kurdish dream remains clear, its goal bright, its resistance steadfast, and its will strong. A nation that has preserved its existence with all its pillars will inevitably achieve its goals.
Language represents a fundamental pillar of national existence. For the Kurds—despite the diversity of its dialects—their language is sacred, and Kurds everywhere take pride in their Kurdish identity, language, and culture.
On the occasion of International Mother Language Day, Masoud Barzani affirmed in his message that:
“The mother tongue is the foundation of authenticity, identity, and awareness; it is the unifying voice of the nation, and protecting it is a national duty and everyone’s responsibility.”
In the same context, Nechirvan Barzani stated on this occasion that “protecting the mother tongue means protecting identity, the rich history, and the future of Kurdistan.”
Likewise, Masrour Barzani noted that “language is the fundamental pillar of our existence and our national and patriotic identity. From this standpoint, the Kurdistan Regional Government renews its firm commitment to caring for and advancing the Kurdish language as well as the languages of all components.”
Through these important messages, it becomes clear that the national question in its essence is a question of language, and that language is what distinguishes us from others. Therefore, it has become necessary to give serious attention to the Kurdish language.
The authorities of the states that include parts of Kurdistan must abandon the policy of occupation and involve the Kurds as genuine partners in the administration of the state according to the principles of partnership, balance, and consensus, and they must recognize the Kurdish language as an official language of the state so that peace, security, and stability may be achieved.
Unfortunately, some of these states still pursue an occupation-like approach toward the Kurds and reject the Kurdish national existence. Some media figures resort to posing deliberate questions to officials of Kurdistan—particularly to Masrour Barzani—who responds to them with competence and confidence. During an interview with Sky News Arabia on February 8, 2026, on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in Dubai, the journalist Emad El-Din Adeeb asked a provocative question:
“If the state grants you all your rights, what is the problem with being Iraqi?”
Barzani replied confidently:
“I do not believe that being Kurdish is a problem; rather, those who reject pluralism and respect for other nationalities are the ones who see Kurdish identity as a problem. God created me Kurdish and I cannot deny that. I am proud of my Kurdishness whether I live in Iraq or anywhere else. I am Kurdish and I will never change this identity. If the Kurds feel fair equality in these states, they will not need to search for other solutions. As you know, history has been unfair when it comes to the Kurdish issue.”
In the same context, the British journalist Martin Chulov asked Masrour Barzani during the Middle East Peace and Security Forum held in Duhok on November 16, 17, and 18, 2021:
“Allow me to ask you a question as the Prime Minister of Kurdistan: Are you Kurdish first or Iraqi first?”
The response came immediate and decisive:
“I am Kurdish.”
A message of two words—simple in its wording yet profound in its meaning—containing a historical, geographical, and human truth as bright as sunlight, and it struck like lightning that stunned chauvinistic and sectarian rigid minds.
Yes, we are Kurds and we are proud of our Kurdish identity. We are Kurds wherever we live and wherever we reside. Our language is Kurdish and our identity is Kurdish, and we will remain Kurds forever. Protecting this identity is a national, patriotic, and human duty.
Source: Kurdistan 24.
Read the Arabic version: Click here
