Erbil, Kurdistan Region: President Masoud Barzani's book, "Barzani and the Kurdish Liberation Movement, Gulan Revolution - Volume Four - Parts One and Two," has been awarded the second prize in the esteemed International Book Awards competition, organized by the American Book Fest. This recognition marks a significant achievement in the realm of Kurdish literature on a global stage.

The International Book Awards, held annually by the American Book Fest since 2010, celebrate excellence in writing and publishing across various genres. This year’s competition saw thousands of submissions, with only a select few making it to the final round. Jeffrey Keen, the executive director of the American Book Fest, highlighted the competition's goal to support and rejuvenate the world of books, stating, "This award aims to support the world of books and is an attempt to attract readers back to this world."

President Barzani's winning entry is a detailed memoir chronicling significant historical events and the Kurdish struggle for liberation over the past decades. The book was translated into English by Davan Yahya Khalil, a Kurdish writer based in Britain. This honor represents the first time a Kurdish book has secured a prize in an international book competition, signifying a milestone for Kurdish literature.

The competition recognized outstanding works published in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Alongside President Barzani's memoir, notable winners include Pope Francis’s memoir, an autobiography by acclaimed American singer and television host Vanessa Williams, and the autobiography of renowned American actor Bob Odenkirk.

The International Book Awards competition continues to be a beacon for literary excellence, drawing millions of entries from authors worldwide. The recognition of President Barzani’s memoir underscores the global resonance of Kurdish history and the enduring power of well-crafted historical narratives.