President Barzani Praises Lalish Center’s Role in Preserving Yazidi Heritage on 32nd Anniversary
“The Lalish Center has made remarkable contributions to Yazidi society and has worked tirelessly to safeguard the heritage and traditions of the Kurdish people,” Barzani stated.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — President Masoud Barzani on Sunday congratulated the Yazidi community on the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of the Lalish Cultural and Social Center, praising its vital role in preserving the traditions and cultural identity of the Yazidi people and the broader Kurdish community.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Barzani extended his congratulations to the leadership, senior members, staff of the center, and all Yazidi citizens. “The Lalish Center has made remarkable contributions to Yazidi society and has worked tirelessly to safeguard the heritage and traditions of the Kurdish people,” Barzani stated.
Highlighting the center’s extensive achievements over the past three decades, Barzani noted that Lalish has played a crucial role through various initiatives. “Over the years, Lalish has served the Yazidi community through its activities, conferences, projects, rich festivals, book publications, support for those rescued from ISIS captivity, and numerous cultural, artistic, and media efforts,” he said.
Founded in 1993, the Lalish Center has grown into a key institution representing the Yazidi community in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Situated in Shekhan, near the sacred Lalish temple—the holiest site in the Yazidi faith—the center has long been a beacon for cultural preservation, social advocacy, and educational outreach.
The Yazidis, a historically marginalized ethno-religious group, suffered immensely during the ISIS onslaught in 2014, which resulted in mass killings, abductions, and displacement. Since then, the Lalish Center has been instrumental in rebuilding community morale, advocating for the rights of survivors, and documenting Yazidi heritage in the face of existential threats.
President Barzani’s message reflects continued Kurdish leadership support for the Yazidi community and recognition of institutions like Lalish that play an essential role in cultural resilience, intercommunal harmony, and post-conflict recovery.
