President Barzani to Attend International Symposium Honoring Kurdish Poet Mullah Jaziri in Sirnak
Abdurrahim Alkis, President of Sirnak University, told Kurdistan24 that President Masoud Barzani’s attendance carries deep meaning for both the organizers and the region.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — President Masoud Barzani is set to attend the International Symposium on Mullah Jaziri on Saturday in Sirnak province, marking a significant cultural moment in the recognition of one of Kurdistan’s most influential literary figures.
The fourth edition of the symposium opened on Friday in the historic city of Cizre, attracting scholars, writers, and cultural experts from across the world. This year’s gathering brings together approximately 90 prominent personalities and researchers to explore the life, works, and enduring legacy of Mullah Jaziri (1570–1640), a towering figure in Kurdish literature.
Abdurrahim Alkis, President of Sirnak University, told Kurdistan24 that President Masoud Barzani’s attendance carries deep meaning for both the organizers and the region.
“The participation of President Barzani in this scientific and cultural event is a great honor and pleasure for us, and we warmly welcome his presence in the homeland of Mullah Jaziri,” he said.
The two-day program includes a series of panels, seminars, and keynote speeches, with contributions from scholars representing universities across the Kurdistan Region and abroad. Researchers will present new studies examining Jaziri’s philosophical outlook, poetic style, linguistic contributions, and spiritual influence.
Mullah Jaziri, a renowned Sufi poet who wrote exclusively in Kurdish despite speaking Arabic and Persian, is widely credited with laying the foundations of classical Kurdish poetry. His journeys through Baghdad, Syria, Egypt, and Persia enriched his intellectual world, exposing him to influential literary figures such as Hafez, Rumi, Saadi Shirazi, and Jami — inspirations that deeply shaped his work.
After returning to Kurdistan, Jaziri settled in Diyarbakir, where he taught for years until his death. Although his burial site near Sur was later destroyed by the Turkish military, his legacy continues to resonate throughout Kurdish culture. Jaziri maintained friendships with influential figures such as Sharafkhan Bidlisi, whom he honored in multiple poems, and infused his writings with a profound love for Kurdistan.
The symposium aims to further elevate Jaziri’s status within Kurdish and global literature while strengthening academic and cultural ties across the region.
