President Barzani Praises Lalish Center on 32nd Anniversary, Highlights Its Role in Preserving Yazidi Heritage
Erbil, Kurdistan Region – President Masoud Barzani on Sunday congratulated the Yazidi community on the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of the Lalish Cultural and Social Center, commending its vital role in preserving the traditions and cultural identity of the Yazidis and the broader Kurdish community.
In a statement, Barzani extended his congratulations to the center’s leadership, staff, and all Yazidi citizens, acknowledging its decades of service. “The Lalish Center has made remarkable contributions to Yazidi society and has worked tirelessly to safeguard the heritage and traditions of the Kurdish people,” he said.
Since its founding in 1993, the Lalish Center has emerged as a key institution representing the Yazidi community in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Based in Shekhan, near the sacred Lalish temple—the holiest site in Yazidi faith—the center has been a cornerstone of cultural preservation, social advocacy, and educational outreach.
Barzani highlighted the center’s extensive achievements, including organizing conferences, cultural festivals, book publications, and support for survivors of ISIS atrocities. “Over the years, Lalish has served the Yazidi community through its activities, projects, support for those rescued from ISIS captivity, and numerous cultural, artistic, and media efforts,” he noted.
The Yazidis, a historically persecuted ethno-religious minority, faced genocide at the hands of ISIS in 2014, leading to mass killings, abductions, and displacement. In the aftermath, the Lalish Center played a crucial role in rebuilding community morale, advocating for survivors’ rights, and documenting Yazidi heritage amid existential threats.
President Barzani’s message underscores the continued support of Kurdish leadership for the Yazidi community and recognizes institutions like the Lalish Center that foster cultural resilience, intercommunal harmony, and post-conflict recovery.
