President Barzani: Mala Jaziri is a shining star of enlightenment that never fades, the guide of lovers on the path of truth. With all our strength, we support the peace process.
President Masoud Barzani praised the legacy of the revered poet and mystic Mala Jaziri during a visit to Şırnak Province, calling him “a shining star of enlightenment that never fades” and reaffirming full support for Turkey’s ongoing peace process.
Barzani was warmly received by Munir Karaloğlu, Turkey’s Deputy Interior Minister; Bırol Ekici, the Governor of Şırnak; and Mehmet Yarka, the Mayor of Şırnak. He attended the Fourth Mala Jaziri Symposium, which brought together scholars, researchers, academics, and political and administrative officials. Barzani delivered a keynote address to the gathering.
He described the warm welcome in Şırnak as “a very beautiful day” and thanked local leaders, state institutions, parliamentarians, and residents “for their warm hospitality.”
Speaking about Mala Jaziri’s enduring influence, Barzani said the poet remains “a guiding light for lovers on the path of truth,” adding that Jaziri’s verses “never grow old” and continue to feel newly alive with each reading. “The deeper you go into Jaziri’s poetry,” he said, “the closer you feel to him and the more captivated you become by his work.”
Barzani also highlighted the spiritual connection between Jaziri and Mawlana Sheikh Ahmed Barzani, noting that Jaziri’s poems were regularly recited in the Barzan lodge. This, he said, underscored a shared spiritual path: “the path to truth and reality is one.”
Citing historical research, Barzani said Jaziri lived from 1570 to 1640, describing his 70 years as a life “full of goodness, blessing, knowledge, and wisdom.” He noted Jaziri’s mastery of Kurdish, Turkish, Arabic, and Persian, as well as his travels in pursuit of learning, including a visit to Amedi.
With scholars and experts in attendance, Barzani said it was not his intention to detail Jaziri’s life but to share his reflections. He recited several of Jaziri’s poems, encouraging participants to reflect on their meaning.
Barzani added that the region had been blessed with Jaziri’s presence and referenced the Quranic verse describing the resting of Noah’s Ark on Mount Judi, saying this heritage was “a great source of pride for all of you and for all of us.”
Turning to regional developments, Barzani voiced strong support for Turkey’s peace process, calling its launch an encouraging and structured step. “We were very pleased that this process began,” he said, noting that it appeared more orderly “because the nation, parliament, and all parties support the state.”
He thanked President Erdoğan, the Government of Turkey, the Turkish Parliament, and the Turkish people “for opening the door to peace, which is the best path and the best choice,” and commended Abdullah Ocalan for what he described as “a courageous step.” Barzani said the Kurdistan Region “fully supports this peace effort” and stands ready to assist “with all our strength and whatever lies within our capacity.”
As part of his visit to the broader Botan region, Barzani toured several sites in Cizre, including the holy tomb of Prophet Noah, the tomb of Mala Jaziri, the resting place of Mem and Zin, the grave of prominent Kurdish politician Sherafeddin Elçi, and the historic Sur School.
The Kurdish Globe