Masrour Barzani Lays Foundation Stone for the Grand Barzani Mosque in Erbil

ARK News.. Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani, laid the foundation stone on Sunday, June 21, 2026, for the Grand Barzani Mosque project in Erbil, one of the largest religious and cultural developments in the Kurdistan Region, aimed at reviving Kurdish architecture and promoting the values of coexistence and peace.

The concept for the project dates back to 2023, when Masrour Barzani first proposed the construction of the religious and cultural landmark. The idea was later translated into architectural plans under the supervision of the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and with direct follow-up from the Prime Minister.

In his remarks during the foundation stone-laying ceremony, Barzani described the project as “a historic and important necessity for Erbil and Kurdistan,” stressing that the mosque would serve both society and religion while strengthening peaceful coexistence among the various religions, sects, and ethnic communities of the region.

He explained that the mosque was named in honor of the late national and Kurdish leader Mustafa Barzani, describing him as a symbol of patriotism, justice, and peace. He added that the project carries a message reflecting the values established by the Barzani religious tradition.

The mosque features an architectural design inspired by Kurdish identity, with the main structure modeled after the traditional Kurdish tent, while the surrounding buildings are designed in a style derived from local heritage.

The project includes a main prayer hall with a capacity of approximately 9,000 worshippers, as well as plazas and gardens capable of accommodating more than 700,000 people. It will also house a library and archive for Kurdish and religious manuscripts, a museum dedicated to history and manuscripts, a conference hall, a religious school, and a range of service and tourism facilities.

In addition, the complex will feature four minarets equipped with elevators, an artificial lake and waterfall, a large public park, and several other facilities expected to make it a prominent religious and cultural landmark in the Kurdistan Region.

43