President Barzani: Mala Jaziri Is a Shining Star Whose Light Never Fades

ARK News.. President Masoud Barzani said, in a speech delivered at the Fourth International Mala Jaziri Forum held in the town of Cizre in Shırnakh province: “I extend my deepest gratitude for the warm reception I have received. Today is a special and joyful day in my life, as I take part here in Botan’s Cizre in the proceedings of the Fourth International Mala Jaziri Forum.”

President Barzani added: “Mala Jaziri is a brilliant star whose radiance never fades. He is the spiritual compass for seekers of the path of truth. His poetry is timeless; no matter how many years pass, one feels as though he is listening to it this very moment. And the deeper I dive into Jaziri’s poetry, the closer I feel to him and to his creative spirit.”

Barzani praised the efforts of the official authorities in Shırnakh province, expressing his gratitude to the Minister of Interior, the Governor of Shırnakh, all state institutions, parliamentarians, and the people of the region for their remarkable hospitality.

Speaking about Mala Jaziri, President Barzani described him as a “radiant, unfading star” and the guide of all who seek truth, noting that his poetry is immortal and grows more enchanting the more one immerses in it.

Barzani recalled the spiritual connection that historically bonded the Barzanis with Mala Jaziri, affirming that his poems were regularly recited in the Barzan lodge and in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed Barzani.

He noted that Mala Jaziri was born in 1570 and died in 1640, and that seventy years of his life were filled with knowledge, learning, and spiritual purity. Jaziri mastered four languages—Kurdish, Arabic, Turkish, and Persian—and traveled widely in pursuit of knowledge, including to the Emirate of Bahdinan and Amidiye.

President Barzani elaborated on Jaziri’s distinguished place in Sufism, his attainment of “Fanaa” (annihilation in God) and the doctrine of the unity of existence, citing verses that reflect this profound spiritual dimension. He then touched on Jaziri’s contributions to philosophy, which he encapsulated with remarkable precision in only two lines that explored destiny, time, and the essence of existence. Barzani also highlighted Jaziri’s realistic outlook in addressing human nature, justice, and wisdom, saying that the poet always emphasized that the inner essence of a person precedes any outward appearance.

Barzani commended Shırnakh University for making this conference an annual tradition, calling it an effort worthy of Jaziri’s stature— “the one who described himself as the lamp of Kurdistan’s night.” He recited additional verses drawing parallels between Jaziri and other Sofi poets such as Ali Hariri and Faqiye Tayran.

Barzani also invoked the historical and symbolic significance of the region’s geography, noting that Noah’s Ark is believed to have rested on nearby Mount Judi— “an honor and pride shared by the people of the region and by all Kurds.”

In conclusion, President Barzani emphasized the importance of the ongoing shift toward peace in the region, reaffirming that the Kurdistan Regional Government strongly supports this process.

He expressed gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish state institutions, the parliament, and the Turkish people, and also thanked Abdullah Ocalan for his positive steps in support of the peace process.

Barzani ended his speech by confirming the KRG’s readiness to support the peace efforts in any way possible, expressing hope that they will lead to lasting stability and prosperity for all peoples of the region.

President Barzani arrived earlier this morning, Saturday, November 29, 2025, in the district of Botan’s Jaziri in Shırnakh province to participate in the fourth edition of the international conference dedicated to the poet and Sufi mystic Mala Jaziri.

The forum began on Friday in the conference hall of the Dedeman Cizre Hotel, and will continue for two days with the participation of local and international scholars and researchers.

Large banners featuring President Barzani and welcoming messages were displayed across the city.

Around 90 participants from multiple countries are taking part in the forum, which includes research papers and studies on Mala Jaziri’s life, literary works, and intellectual legacy.

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