KRP Nechirvan Barzani highlights Prof. Zalmi's role in reforming Kurdish society

Dec. 1, 2024

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On Sunday, the Kurdistan Region’s President Nechirvan Barzani participated in an intellectual symposium organized by the Mustafa Zalmi Cultural Organization honoring the thought and philosophy of renowned Kurdish scholar Mustafa Zalmi in Erbil.

During the event, the Kurdistan Region’s President delivered a speech emphasizing the reformist depth of Professor Zalmi’s vision and pledged to continue his legacy to bring about a more just society and safeguard human rights and dignity.

“We shall continue the path set out by Mustafa Zalmi to protect human rights, and coexistence as well as bring about a more just and righteous society for the Kurdistan Region,” the Regional President stated.

Moreover, he underscored the fact that Professor Zalmi’s legacy did not only have local implications; rather, “his thoughts and philosophy became inspiration for the entire Islamic world and international community.”

As Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani highlighted, “Prof. Zalmi had a deep reformist vision. His vision sought to argue that Islam is never an obstacle to progress, rather it could be a powerful catalyst for development and renewal.”

“He had the belief that laws are not unchangeable and inflexible; that they are mere tools to serve humanity. That is why he argued that they ought to develop according to the times as well so that they could accommodate the needs of the people and adapt to a changing world,” he added.

Kurdistan Region’s President Nechirvan Barzani recalled that his first encounter with Professor Zalmi left a lasting impression.

“In July 2007, I met with Professor Zalmi and asked him to remain in Kurdistan. His presence was essential for conducting important and significant reforms on personal status laws. His contribution in correcting the general misunderstanding regarding issues such as female genital circumcision, divorce, honor killing and polygamy was crucial. All that was done in intellectual and religious discourse,” the Regional President remarked.