Prime Minister Barzani Calls Kirkuk 'Heart of Kurdistan,' Urges Kurdish-Language Education

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Sunday called for greater promotion of Kurdish-language education, describing Kirkuk as "the heart of Kurdistan," while also addressing the formation of the next KRG cabinet, the reactivation of Parliament and the question of weapons outside state authority.

Prime Minister Barzani spoke to reporters after ringing the bell to mark the opening of the 2026–2027 academic year at Global School in Erbil on Sept. 20. Education Minister Dr. Alan Hama Saeed joined him at the ceremony.

Asked about the importance of Kurdish-language education, Prime Minister Barzani said education was essential for everyone but argued that learning in Kurdish carried particular significance because of its connection to identity.

"Education in our cherished Kurdish language is more important to us than anything else because our language defines our national identity and our homeland," he said.

He urged teachers, the Education Ministry and other institutions to strengthen Kurdish-language instruction.

Turning specifically to Kirkuk, Prime Minister Barzani described the city as "the heart of Kurdistan" and said what he called its Kurdistani character was part of its identity. He expressed hope that Kurdish would be promoted wherever Kurdish communities live.

The remarks represent Prime Minister Barzani's position on Kirkuk's identity.

Teachers, Values and Schools

Prime Minister Barzani also emphasized that the role of teachers extends beyond classroom instruction.

"Education itself encompasses both teaching and character development," he said, highlighting patriotism as one of the values teachers can encourage through their own conduct.

"Our strength comes from this homeland, and the more we love our homeland, the more successful we can become," he added.

Asked about school construction and reports that the Kurdistan Region was excluded from a Chinese-backed project to construct 1,000 schools in Iraq, Prime Minister Barzani said the KRG had repeatedly sought what it considers its rightful federal share across different sectors.

"In education, as in most other sectors, the share allocated to the Kurdistan Region has not been provided as required," he said, adding that the Region had received no assistance under the initiative.

He said the KRG, private-sector actors and donors had nevertheless continued building schools and improving educational standards and curricula.

Prime Minister Barzani said providing suitable schools, safe transportation and appropriate educational conditions remained a government responsibility.

Weapons and Sinjar

Asked whether efforts to bring weapons under state control should also apply in Sinjar, Prime Minister Barzani said the same principle should apply throughout Iraq.

"The law must prevail throughout the country," he said. "Wherever weapons exist outside the authority and legitimacy of the government, they must be brought under government control."

Parliament Before New Cabinet

Prime Minister Barzani also addressed negotiations over forming the 10th KRG Cabinet, saying his side had been ready to proceed since immediately after the election.

"We want the government to be formed as soon as possible," he said.

He argued, however, that Kurdistan Parliament must first resume its work, calling on lawmakers currently staying away from parliamentary proceedings to return and fulfill their responsibilities.

"Parliament must be operational before a government can be formed," Prime Minister Barzani said. "The first step, therefore, must be holding a parliamentary session."

Asked whether political parties had reached an understanding on reactivating the legislature, he said the question should be directed toward parties not attending Parliament.

"We are ready, and our members of Parliament are also ready," he said.