ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — A solemn funeral procession was held on the morning of Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, for the body of the prominent Kurdish intellectual and philosopher, Dr. Farooq Rafiq. Dr. Rafiq passed away yesterday, Tuesday, at his home in the city, leaving behind a distinguished intellectual and cultural legacy.
A Life of Academic Excellence
Farooq Rafiq, whose full name is Farooq Hama Karim, was regarded as one of the most prominent researchers and thinkers in the fields of philosophy and political thought. Born in the city of Sulaymaniyah, he pursued his academic career abroad, earning a PhD in Philosophy from a Canadian university. After living in Canada for a period, he returned to the Kurdistan Region to continue his scientific and intellectual contributions.
The late scholar was renowned for his specialization in:
Modern Philosophy and Liberalism
Contemporary Political Concepts
Media Presence: He served as the Editor-in-Chief of Awaz (Perception) magazine, which focused on disseminating philosophy and science.
His contributions enriched the Kurdish library with several notable works, including:
Reconciliation Between Reason and Passion
The Art of Philosophy: A Metaphysical Lesson
Pax Americana
The Art of Passion (published in 2010)
A Station from a Philosophical Journey (published in 2011)
Official Condolences and Tributes
In response to the news, Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, extended his condolences on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. In a formal cable, he stated:
“On the occasion of the passing of the well-known Kurdish thinker and writer Farooq Rafiq, we offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to his family, relatives, friends, and admirers, and we share in their grief during this difficult time. We pray to Almighty God to grant his soul vast mercy, admit him into His spacious heavens, and grant his family patience and solace.”
Similarly, the President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, emphasized that Rafiq’s passing represents the “loss of an active and capable pen.” He remarked:
“I offer my condolences to the family and relatives of Rafiq, and to the general community of writers and intellectuals in Kurdistan. Through his thought and generous pen, the late Farooq Rafiq rendered great services to the Kurdish library and culture, particularly in the fields of philosophy and intellectual research. I pray to Almighty God to encompass his soul with His vast mercy and kindness, and to grant everyone patience and fortitude.”
Cultural Mourning
The Kurdish Writers Union (Erbil Branch) also mourned the late intellectual in an earlier statement, expressing that they received the news of his death with “great sorrow and regret.” The Union extended its deepest sympathies to his family, praying for God’s mercy and for him to rest in eternal peace.
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