Peshmerga Street Inaugurated in Paris in Historic Ceremony Honoring Kurdish Forces
In a move symbolizing deep respect and enduring friendship, the City of Paris officially inaugurated "Peshmerga Street" in a solemn ceremony on Friday, presided over by Mayor Anne Hidalgo and Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and former President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.
The event, held in the André Citroën Park in the city's 15th arrondissement, was attended by a delegation from the Erbil Governorate, French administrative officials, intellectuals, veteran Peshmerga fighters, and members of the Kurdish diaspora across Europe.
The ceremony served as a powerful tribute to the legacy and sacrifices of the Kurdish Peshmerga forces. The highlight was the unveiling of a commemorative plaque naming a street in their honor, a rare diplomatic gesture extended by a major European capital.
In her address, Mayor Hidalgo underscored the critical role played by the Peshmerga, particularly in the global fight against terrorism. "The role of the Peshmerga and the Kurdistan Region is invaluable," she stated, paying tribute to their bravery and resilience.
President Barzani, in a heartfelt speech, hailed the day as "historic in the history of the people of Kurdistan." He expressed profound gratitude to the French government and people for their unwavering support.
"Throughout history, France has always taken a humanitarian and friendly stance toward the people of Kurdistan," Barzani said. "From the era of General de Gaulle to the present day, France has consistently supported our cause."
He specifically highlighted France's role as the first country to permit the establishment of the Kurdistan Institute in Paris. Barzani also honored the Peshmerga's immense sacrifice, noting they suffered "12,000 casualties, including martyrs and wounded" in the war against ISIS, achieving "a great victory for themselves and their nation."
"The honor you have bestowed upon the Peshmerga today is a tribute to their struggle and a recognition of the friendship between the people of France and the people of Kurdistan," he emphasized.
A poignant moment followed the speeches when President Barzani awarded a Medal of Honor to a Peshmerga fighter wounded in the battle against ISIS, personalizing the collective sacrifice of the forces.
The event also featured the inauguration of a photo exhibition chronicling the history of the Peshmerga struggle "from the era of the revolution to the present." The ceremony was accompanied by a musical performance from renowned Kurdish artist Shivan Perwar.
Concluding his speech, President Barzani reaffirmed the Peshmerga's ongoing role as "defenders of freedom and human rights" and an official part of Iraq's defense system. The event closed with cheers of "Long live Paris, long live Erbil, long live the friendship between the people of France and the people of Kurdistan," cementing a day of significant symbolic diplomacy between the Kurdish people and the French Republic.
