Muhammad Salih Dilan, born in 1927 in Sulaymaniyah’s Goizha district, was a poet, musician, and patriot who left an indelible mark on Kurdish culture. The son of Mulla Ahmad Dilan and grandson of Mulla Qadir Shawkhwen, Dilan’s family had originally migrated from Qalacholan to Sulaymaniyah.
From a young age, Dilan developed a deep passion for poetry and singing maqam. He began composing poetry in 1949, and by the age of 21, he had already published his work, establishing himself as a prominent figure in Kurdish literature. Following in the footsteps of renowned poet Goran, Dilan is considered a leading figure in the new wave of Kurdish poetry.
Dilan’s education began at the Baba Ali Mosque, followed by the Khalidiya school, where he completed his primary education and attended until the third year of middle school. In 1947, he began working at the Tobacco Department to support himself.
Throughout his life, Dilan remained committed to his poetry, using it as a powerful tool to raise awareness of Kurdish identity and resist oppression. His works, filled with patriotism, became a source of inspiration for the Kurdish resistance against occupying forces. Between 1948 and 1966, Dilan was imprisoned nine times, exiled, tortured, and deprived of his livelihood due to his activism.
In the mid-1960s, Dilan returned to work for the Sulaymaniyah governorate, where he remained until 1983, when he retired. His poetry, which focused on Kurdish nationalism and the fight for freedom, played a pivotal role in strengthening Kurdish national consciousness. He became a symbol of resilience, often regarded as one of the greatest Kurdish poets of his time.
In 1954, Dilan participated in the Peace and People’s Cooperation Congress in Vienna, Austria, without official permission, and upon his return, he was imprisoned. Despite the hardships he faced, Dilan continued to create, not only as a poet but also as a vocalist and composer. His unique songs and maqams, many of which he wrote himself, brought his poetry to life and remain beloved today, especially during national celebrations. Some of his most famous works include “Mama Kurnu,” “Ay Nazenin,” and “Sheikh Mahmoud Zindu.”
Muhammad Salih Dilan passed away on October 28, 1990, at the age of 63, leaving behind a rich legacy in literature, art, and the Kurdish national movement. His contributions to Kurdish culture continue to inspire and resonate, ensuring that his name and service to his people will remain immortal.