President Barzani Offers Condolences on the Death of Kurdish National Figure and Activist Mahdi Zana

ARK News.. Kurdistan Democratic Party President Masoud Barzani on Saturday, August 29, 2026, issued a message of condolence following the death of Kurdish national figure, activist, and former mayor of Diyarbakir (Amed), Mahdi Zana, who passed away after a long life of political struggle.

In his condolence message, President Barzani extended his deepest sympathies to Mahdi Zana’s family; his wife, prominent Kurdish politician Leyla Zana; as well as their relatives and friends, expressing solidarity with them in their grief.

He prayed that God would have mercy on Mahdi Zana’s soul and grant his family and loved ones patience and strength.

Mahdi Zana was a prominent figure in the Kurdish political movement in Turkey and served as mayor of Diyarbakir from 1978 to 1980. He was arrested following the September 12, 1980, military coup and spent many years in prison.

Zana died on Saturday, August 29, at the age of 86 after receiving treatment for 15 days at a hospital in Diyarbakir. He was laid to rest on Sunday, August 30, at Yanikoy Cemetery in Diyarbakir.

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