On Saturday, March 1, 2025, the Kurdish people and supporters of the Kurdish liberation movement worldwide commemorate the 46th anniversary of the passing of Mullah Mustafa Barzani, a legendary leader who dedicated over half a century to the struggle for Kurdish rights and self-determination. Barzani’s unwavering resistance against oppression, his visionary leadership, and his commitment to justice for the Kurdish people have left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations.

Early Life and Beginnings of Resistance

Mullah Mustafa Barzani was born on March 14, 1903, in the village of Barzan, a region that would later become synonymous with Kurdish resistance. From a young age, Barzani was deeply influenced by nationalist sentiments and the desire for Kurdish self-determination. His first major engagement in the Kurdish resistance occurred at the age of 16, when he joined Sheikh Mahmoud Hafid’s revolution in Sulaimani. In 1920, he was sent to Northern Kurdistan to coordinate efforts with Sheikh Saeed Piran’s revolution, marking the beginning of his lifelong political and military journey.

Leadership in the Kurdish Resistance

Throughout the 1930s, Barzani emerged as a prominent leader in the defense of Kurdish territories against British occupation forces, particularly in the Mergasor and Sherwan regions. His military competence and strategic acumen earned him widespread recognition. Barzani’s leadership of the Barzani revolutions in 1943 and 1945 further solidified his status as a key figure in Kurdish history.

On January 22, 1946, Barzani played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Kurdistan in Mahabad, the first modern Kurdish state. Appointed by President Qazi Muhammad as the commander of the republic’s army, Barzani was granted the rank of General. However, the republic’s fall in 1947 led Barzani and over 500 Kurdish fighters on a historic journey to the Soviet Union, where they sought refuge after resisting attacks by the armies of Iraq, Iran, and Turkey.

The September Revolution and Autonomy Agreement

With the overthrow of Iraq’s monarchy in 1958, Barzani and his fighters returned to Iraq, receiving a hero’s welcome in Erbil. However, tensions with the Iraqi government persisted, leading Barzani to launch the September Revolution on September 11, 1961. This 14-year armed resistance against Iraqi rule culminated in the historic March 11, 1970, autonomy agreement, which granted Kurdistan its first formal recognition of self-rule.

Challenges and Continued Struggle

Despite this significant achievement, the Kurdish struggle faced a major setback in 1975 following the Algiers Agreement between Iraq and Iran. Betrayed and facing shifting political landscapes, Barzani remained steadfast in his commitment to the Kurdish cause. He laid the foundation for the continuation of Kurdish resistance, ensuring that the struggle for self-determination would endure.

Passing and Legacy

On March 1, 1979, Mullah Mustafa Barzani passed away at the age of 76 in Georgetown Hospital in Washington, D.C. His body was initially laid to rest in Eastern Kurdistan, where thousands gathered to pay their final respects. Fourteen years later, on October 6, 1993, his remains, along with those of his son Idris Barzani, were returned to the Kurdistan Region and reburied in their birthplace of Barzan.

Barzani’s legacy is one of unwavering resistance, visionary leadership, and an unbreakable commitment to Kurdish self-determination. His contributions to the Kurdish national cause remain deeply embedded in the history of Kurdistan, and his ideals continue to inspire the Kurdish struggle for freedom and justice.

As the Kurdish people and their supporters commemorate the 46th anniversary of Mullah Mustafa Barzani’s passing, they honor a leader whose life was dedicated to the pursuit of justice and self-determination. Barzani’s legacy serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of the Kurdish people, and his vision continues to guide their ongoing struggle for freedom and equality.