On Thursday, December 17, Kurds from the Kurdistan Region and around the globe organized diverse events and activities to honor Kurdistan Flag Day.
Annually, Kurds raise their flag with pride on this day and engage in celebrations featuring the national anthem and traditional Kurdish attire. The national Kurdish flag, originally introduced by the Khoyboun Movement, a nationalistic group which struggled for a kurdish state, holds profound symbolic significance as a representation of Kurdish identity globally. Notably, it is prominently displayed in nearly all government institutions and departments within Kurdistan.
In 1946, the Kurdish flag was officially hoisted on government buildings for the first time, marking a historic moment as it became the flag of a official state. This event took place following the declaration by Kurdish leader Qazi Muhammad, establishing the Republic of Mahabad as a sovereign territory for the Kurdish people. Kurdish Flag Day has been celebrated on December 17 since 1993. It is a significant event for Kurds worldwide to honor and commemorate their flag’s symbolism and history.
In an effort to instill the profound understanding of the sacrifices made in the quest for freedom, the Kurdish flag is raised weekly at schools, accompanied by the singing of Kurdistan’s national anthem. This serves as a poignant reminder to the younger generation of the numerous lives lost in the pursuit of self-determination.
Furthermore, during solemn occasions such as the burial ceremonies of fallen Peshmerga soldiers or the repatriation of victims of the Anfal massacres, the coffins are draped with the Kurdistan flag, paying tribute to the immense sacrifices endured by the Kurdish people for their homeland.
History of Kurdistan flag
The origins of the national Kurdistan flag dates back to 1927 when leaders of the Khoyboun designed the flag. Khoyboun was a Kurdish movement in 1927 in Bihamdun, Lebanon. They were a dispensable part in any effort to free Kurdistan and reunite its four parts.
On January 28, 1927, the Kurdistan flag was raised atop Mount Agiri Dagh, signaling the declaration of the Ararat Revolution . This act was a symbol of resistance against Turkish oppression. As Kurdish fighters made their presence known to the Turkish troops attempting to suppress the Kurdish people. By the display of the Kurdistan flag, the fighters asserted their determination to defend the rights and identity of the Kurdish nation.
Unfortunately, the Ararat Republic was defeated by the Turkish troops in September 1931. However, this was definitely not the last time Kurdistan’s enemies saw the Kurdistan flag fluttering high in the sky. Once again, The Kurdistan flag witnessed the birth of the Kurdistan Republic in Mahabad, Iran. The launch coincided with Mustafa Barzani and thousands of Kurdish fighters and their families arriving in Iran from Iraqi Kurdistan after their uprising was defeated. The Kurdistan Republic adopted a modified version of the Ararat Republic flag as a symbol of Kurdish unity across Kurdistan. During a ceremony, Kurdish leaders took a solemn oath, pledging their commitment to protect Kurdistan until the very end. They swore on the Quran, the map of Kurdistan, and the flag of Kurdistan.
After the successful uprising against the Iraqi army and the liberation of Iraqi Kurdistan in 1992, the Kurds decided to adopt this flag as the official flag of Kurdistan.
Symbolism and Recognition
The flag’s colors hold deep meanings in Kurdish society. Red symbolizes the blood of martyrs shed for freedom and dignity. Green represents the vibrant landscapes of Kurdistan, signifying its prosperity and liveliness. In the middle, the color white represents peace and equality, values that the Kurds have tirelessly fought for but have been unjustly denied. The Kurdish flag’s most notable feature is the sun emblem in its exact center. The sun consists of twenty-one rays, all of equal size and shape. The arrangement of rays is deliberate, with an odd ray at the top and two even rays at the bottom.
This specific number represents rebirth in Yazdanism, an ancient and native religion of the Kurds. Additionally, the sun rays on the Kurdish flag symbolize March 21, which marks Nawroz, the first day of the Kurdish New Year. This day holds significance as it commemorates the triumph over oppressors and is celebrated joyfully. Although the Kurdish flag is recognized by the Iraqi, it is forbidden or restricted to in countries like Turkey and Iran. This ban stems from the complicated and troubled history between the Kurds and these nations. Though cases have been reported in Turkey and Iran where people were physically injured, and even arrested, for carrying the Kurdistan flag. Even in Iraq sometimes hoisting the Kurdistan flag has been the reason of controversy.
However in many countries, including major global powers, the Kurdish flag is treated with great respect. When high-ranking Kurdish officials visit foreign nations, they are greeted with the Kurdish flag proudly raised alongside Iraq’s flag. Even if Iraqi parties showed opposition against it.
Hi
It was lovely to learn this today
it made me very happy