Census official urges displaced Kirkuk Kurds to return for registration: "Even for a few hours"

The census official expressed concern about systematic demographic changes in Kirkuk, noting that while people from Tikrit, Samarra, and other areas are coming to register, Kurdish participation is crucial to maintain the city's demographic balance.

Salar Sheikh Bzeni, census supervisor for Kirkuk's Kurdistan district. (Photo: Kurdistan24)
Salar Sheikh Bzeni, census supervisor for Kirkuk's Kurdistan district. (Photo: Kurdistan24)

Nov. 16, 2024

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – On Saturday, a census supervisor in Kirkuk made an urgent appeal to Kurdish residents who have relocated from the city to return and register during Iraq's ongoing national census, emphasizing the demographic significance of their participation.

Salar Sheikh Bzeni, census supervisor for Kirkuk's Kurdistan district, told Kurdistan24 reporter Soran Kamaran, "I call upon all Kirkuk citizens who have moved to Kurdistan Region cities or other Iraqi cities to return and register at their relatives' homes in this city."

Making an emotional appeal, Bzeni addressed displaced Kirkuk Kurds: "Your children's blood has been sacrificed for Kirkuk. Can't you spare one hour now to come and be counted?"

The census official expressed concern about systematic demographic changes in Kirkuk, noting that while people from Tikrit, Samarra, and other areas are coming to register, Kurdish participation is crucial to maintain the city's demographic balance. 

"This poses a significant risk to Kurdish representation," he warned.

Bzeni reported some positive responses to his appeal, citing the example of a 72-year-old citizen who returned from abroad specifically to register in Kirkuk.

Kirkuk, an oil-rich multiethnic city, has long been at the center of demographic disputes. Historical policies of "Arabization" under previous regimes and subsequent population movements have significantly impacted its demographic composition. 

The current census, Iraq's first since 1997, is seen as crucial for determining resource allocation and political representation in this disputed territory. The participation of displaced residents in the census could have significant implications for the city's future status and administration.