Kurdistan Honors Hejar Mukriyani on International Mother Language Day

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Today marks the 34th anniversary of the passing of renowned Kurdish poet, linguist, and scholar Abdulrahman Sharafkandi, better known as Hejar Mukriyani.

His commemoration, which coincides with International Mother Language Day, serves as a reminder of his significant contributions to Kurdish literature, language, and national identity.

Born on April 13, 1921, in the city of Mahabad, Hejar Mukriyani’s intellectual journey began under the tutelage of his father and continued in religious schools, where he studied various theological disciplines.

However, his deep passion for Kurdish culture and literature soon led him beyond religious studies, immersing him in linguistic and literary endeavors.

During his youth, Hejar became a member of the Kurdish Revival Society (JK) and played a prominent role in the short-lived Republic of Kurdistan in Mahabad, established by Qazi Muhammad in 1946. Alongside his close friend Hêmin Mukriyani, Hejar was appointed as one of the republic’s official poets, cementing his legacy as a literary voice for Kurdish nationalism.

Beyond poetry, Hejar was a close confidant of Mullah Mustafa Barzani, the legendary Kurdish leader. When the September Revolution erupted in Southern Kurdistan under Barzani’s leadership, Hejar joined the movement, further intertwining his literary work with Kurdish political struggles.

A Prolific Linguist and Translator

Hejar Mukriyani was not only a poet but also an extraordinary linguist. His vast body of work includes notable publications such as Cheshti Mjewer, Sharafnama, Beyti Sara Mar, Hanbana Borina Dictionary, Mem u Zin, and For Kurdistan. These works remain essential reading in Kurdish literature and linguistic studies.

One of the Hejar Mukriyani’s poems called “I Am Still Kurdish”:

In exile wandering or in my own home

In Arab lands, in Iran or in Rome

Whether well-dressed or in tattered array

In mansions ten stories or ruins I stay

Free and brave, with joy and laughter bright

Or chained in prison's darkest night

Young and strong, working farmer's land

Or weak in hospitals, by illness unmanned

Seated high upon a royal throne

Or in alleyways, poor and alone

I'm Kurdish, and for Kurdistan's quest

My head I'll give, my soul from my breast

In Kurdish I live, in Kurdish I'll die

In Kurdish my grave's call I'll reply

In Kurdish again I shall rise anew

In that world too, to Kurdish cause stay true

His final contribution to Kurdish intellectual heritage was his translation of the Holy Quran into Kurdish, a masterpiece that demonstrated his unparalleled command of language and commitment to making sacred texts accessible to Kurdish speakers.

On Feb. 21, 1991, Hejar Mukriyani passed away, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire scholars, poets, and activists in Kurdistan and beyond.

Inauguration of the Hejar Mukriyani Symposium

In recognition of his remarkable contributions, the Culture and Media Department of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) has announced the establishment of an annual event titled the Hejar Mukriyani Symposium.

This event will serve as a tribute to Mukriyani’s literary, intellectual, and nationalist legacy.

Scheduled to take place on Feb. 22, 2025, in Erbil, the inaugural symposium will focus on the Kurdish language, addressing its challenges and significance in shaping Kurdish identity. The event aims to elevate linguistic discussions to a societal level, encouraging broader engagement with issues related to language preservation, development, and policy-making.

The symposium will feature participants from all four parts of Kurdistan and the Kurdish diaspora. It will incorporate various cultural, literary, and artistic segments, providing a platform for in-depth discussions on Mukriyani’s impact and contemporary Kurdish language issues.

Hejar Mukriyani Award to Recognize Language Contributions

A highlight of the symposium will be the introduction of the Hejar Mukriyani Award, an honor bestowed upon a Kurdish figure who has made significant contributions to the Kurdish language. This prestigious award will be granted by an expert committee dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievements in linguistic research, literature, and cultural preservation.

In addition to honoring individuals, the event will also compile discussions, papers, and presentations from the symposium into a published book, which will be distributed to participants and guests at the following year’s event. This initiative aims to document and disseminate valuable insights from the symposium, further cementing Hejar Mukriyani’s legacy in Kurdish intellectual discourse.

A Lasting Tribute to a Literary Giant

The Hejar Mukriyani Symposium not only commemorates the life and contributions of one of Kurdistan’s greatest literary figures but also reinforces the critical importance of language in national identity and cultural preservation. As the Kurdish language continues to evolve, initiatives like this symposium serve as essential platforms for advocacy, education, and policy reform.

By ensuring that Hejar Mukriyani’s legacy endures, the event also highlights the ongoing struggles and triumphs of the Kurdish people in their quest for linguistic and cultural recognition. His life’s work remains a beacon of inspiration, reminding generations of the power of words in shaping history and identity.