Paris inaugurated “Peshmerga Alley” with President Barzani, honoring Kurdish fighters’ sacrifices and historic friendship
At a ceremony in the French capital, Paris, attended by President Massoud Barzani, Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris, along with several officials, dignitaries, intellectuals, the Erbil provincial delegation, veteran Peshmerga, Kurds living in Europe and France, the curtain was unveiled from the Peshmerga plaque and “Peshmerga Alley” was opened in André Citroen Park.
At the ceremony, the Mayor of Paris delivered a speech, praising the role of the Peshmerga and the Kurdistan Region. Later, President Barzani spoke, expressing his joy at visiting Paris and the naming of a street after the Peshmerga. After his remarks, Barzani presented a medal of honor to a wounded veteran of the war against ISIS.
During the event, President Barzani, Mayor Hidalgo, and Philippe Goujon viewed a photography exhibition depicting the panoramic history of the Peshmerga struggle from the time of the revolution until today. Kurdish artist Shvan Parwar also performed several songs. At the unveiling of the plaque, several veteran Peshmerga took commemorative photos with President Barzani.
Heroism of the
Peshmerga
During his visit to Paris, President Barzani also visited the Paris City Hall and met with Mayor Anne Hidalgo. After their meeting, Barzani presented Kurdish gifts to her.
He gifted a book that highlights the heroism of the Peshmerga and their achievements against ISIS, as well as a painting of the Peshmerga.
President Barzani: The Peshmerga will always protect human rights, freedom, and democracy
At the ceremony, President Barzani said this was a highly significant and historic event, proof that relations between the people of Kurdistan and France are rooted in history and will continue.
He stated: “Naming a street in Paris after the Peshmerga is clear evidence of France’s appreciation for the Kurdish people. I congratulate the people of Kurdistan on this occasion.”
He thanked Mayor Anne Hidalgo, the Paris City Council, and local leaders for organizing the event, calling it “a historic day in the history of the Kurdish people.” Barzani emphasized that France has always supported the Kurds, being the first European country to allow the establishment of the Kurdish Institute in Paris. He expressed gratitude to Kendal Nezan and the Institute for their service to the Kurds.
On the Peshmerga, Barzani declared: “The Peshmerga have fulfilled a noble duty. This honor reflects the sacrifices of the Peshmerga and the friendship between the peoples of France and Kurdistan. Kurdistan will always remain a place of coexistence. The Peshmerga will always defend human rights, freedom, and democracy. In the fight against ISIS, 12,000 Peshmerga were killed or wounded, recording a great legacy for themselves and their people.”
He noted that naming streets and parks in Paris after the Peshmerga is a profound tribute, symbolizing the unshakable ties between Kurds and France. He reaffirmed: “As long as one Kurd remains, we must always express our gratitude to France. Our ties will remain strong and lasting.”
He praised France’s consistent stance on the Kurdish question, stressing that governments may change but France’s supportive position has not. He called the Peshmerga a formal force within Iraq’s defense structure, protecting the whole of Iraq from terrorism, and a symbol of honor. He also recalled French President François Mitterrand, the first European leader to receive him in 1992, and Danielle Mitterrand, who marched for Kurdish victims, saying their support would never be forgotten.
“Paris and the French people remain in the hearts of the Kurds. Long live Paris, long live Erbil, long live the friendship between the Kurdish and French peoples,” Barzani said.
Peshmerga as the symbol of Kurdistan
Philippe Goujon, Mayor of Paris’s 15th District, stated: “We are here to express our loyalty and love for the Peshmerga. This naming honors their sacrifices, as they fought for human freedom.”
He said the Peshmerga defended culture and identity against Ba’athist oppression and later became a symbol of Kurdistan through their struggle against ISIS, giving thousands of sacrifices and protecting the Yazidis. He also emphasized the vital role of female Peshmerga.
Paris Mayor: We will continue supporting Kurdistan
Mayor Hidalgo praised the Peshmerga, calling their struggle a sign of freedom and equality between men and women. She highlighted the long history of relations, from Mullah Mustafa Barzani to General de Gaulle, and reaffirmed Paris’s commitment to Kurdish friendship.
She explained that naming the street is a lasting decision by the Paris municipality, honoring both male and female Kurdish fighters and the principles of equality and human rights for which Paris also stands.
She recalled her 2015 visit to Erbil during the fight against ISIS, when she came to thank the Peshmerga for their bravery, noting that Paris had faced the same terrorist violence.
The Kurdish Globe