In a significant gesture of friendship and respect, the City of Paris inaugurated “Peshmerga Alley” and a dedicated park space within Parc André Citroën on Friday, honoring the sacrifices and resilience of the Kurdish people and their famed fighters.

The ceremony, attended by a delegation led by President Masoud Barzani, was presided over by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who delivered a powerful speech underscoring France’s deep and longstanding solidarity with the Kurdish cause.

Peshmerga Street Inaugurated in Paris in Historic Ceremony Honoring Kurdish Forces

Mayor Hidalgo welcomed President Barzani and the Kurdish leaders, stating that the new monuments symbolize “the friendship and love of the Kurdish people to the French people.” She lauded the Peshmerga as a global symbol of “freedom, equality, and resilience” and declared that Paris stands firmly with them.

“The Kurdish people’s struggle is a symbol of freedom and equality between men and women. We always support it because it profoundly impacts us,” Hidalgo told the attendees.

Reflecting on a visit to the Kurdistan Region in 2015, at the height of the battle against ISIS, Hidalgo shared, “When I came to Erbil, you Peshmergas were fighting against ISIS. I felt sympathy for the suffering Paris has endured from terrorism. I was inspired by your heroism and strength.” She also fondly recalled her return in 2023 for the opening of the Barzani Museum in Barzan, describing it as a “wonderful, friendly time.”

Linking the Peshmerga’s fight to France’s own experiences with terrorism, including the recent attacks of September 13, Hidalgo credited the Kurdish forces for their crucial role. “Without you, we could not have reached this point. In the battle against ISIS, you demonstrated heroism both here and abroad, defending the principles that belong to us.”

She further reaffirmed France’s support for the Kurdistan Region’s development since 2003 and specifically commended the Peshmerga for advancing women’s participation in defense, calling it an exemplar of equality.

In his keynote address, President Barzani hailed the event as a “historic day for the Kurdish people,” celebrating the enduring friendship between the Kurdistan Region and France.