'We Are Peshmerga, Till Life’s Final Breath': President Barzani Celebrates Kurdish Literary Icon
During the meeting, held at President Barzani’s residence, the President lauded Bekhaw’s extensive body of work, particularly his pivotal role in advancing patriotic and revolutionary literature.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a heartfelt tribute to Kurdish literary heritage, President Masoud Barzani received renowned poet Medhat Khidr Abdullah—better known by his pen name Medhat Bekhaw—on Monday, May 19, 2025, recognizing his profound influence on Kurdish culture, revolutionary spirit, and national identity.
During the meeting, held at President Barzani’s residence, the President lauded Bekhaw’s extensive body of work, particularly his pivotal role in advancing patriotic and revolutionary literature. President Barzani highlighted the poet’s iconic anthem "Ême Pêşmergeyin, Heta Mawîn Le jîn" (“We Are Peshmerga, Till Life’s Final Breath”), famously performed by legendary Kurdish artist Fuad Ahmad. The song, among many others penned by Bekhaw, has become a symbol of pride and resilience, widely embraced by the Peshmerga forces and the Kurdish people.
President Barzani emphasized that Medhat Bekhaw’s poetry has played a vital role in nurturing the Kurdish national consciousness, instilling a deep love of homeland, and giving voice to generations of struggle and sacrifice. He also expressed appreciation for Bekhaw’s contributions to children’s literature and patriotic songs, noting that his legacy continues to resonate across age groups and regions.
Concluding the meeting, President Barzani extended his warmest gratitude to Medhat Bekhaw for his lifelong dedication to Kurdish poetry and culture. He wished the poet continued vitality, good health, and a long life—honoring him as a cherished figure whose words have fortified Kurdish identity and inspired enduring hope.
You can read the famous and iconic poem "We Are Peshmerga, Till Life’s Final Breath" by Medhat Bekhaw below:
An Ode to Peshmerga
by Medhat BekhawWe are Peshmerga, till life’s final breath,
With martyr’s blood, we free our land from death.
We are Kurds—we do not break nor yield,
Warriors born, we never leave the field.
We are the lions of revolt, unbound,
Struggle and sacrifice, our sacred ground.Our souls we give upon the nation’s path,
Champions of life and uprising’s wrath.
Though foes may gather, a thousand strong,
We do not waver—we endure, headlong!
This land is stained with martyr’s crimson thread,
We vow: till freedom comes, we’ll never rest.No tyrant’s shadow dims our spirit’s flame,
Today is the time of rights and rising name.
Our strength is forged from bullets, fire, and pain—
The unclean fall—we rise, we break the chain!
