ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and former President of the Kurdistan Region, marked the seventh anniversary of the historic independence referendum on Monday with a powerful statement defining the homeland as a living entity.

In a message published on his official social media accounts, President Barzani reflected on the significance of the September 25, 2017, vote, in which an overwhelming 92.7% of Kurds voted in favor of independence from Iraq.

He described the nation not in geographical terms, but as a profound, inherited connection, stating: “The homeland is not a map on paper, but blood that runs through the veins.”

The quote underscores the deep emotional and historical weight the referendum holds for the Kurdish people, framing the pursuit of self-determination as an innate and enduring struggle.

Concluding his message with a forward-looking warning, President Barzani added: “What you sow today, you will reap tomorrow.” This phrase is widely interpreted as a reminder to both local and international actors that the consequences of current political actions and decisions will shape the future of the Kurdistan Region.

The 2017 referendum, while a massive popular expression of Kurdish aspirations, was met with severe backlash from the Iraqi federal government and neighboring countries, leading to a period of political and economic crisis. Seven years on, the anniversary remains a deeply symbolic date, celebrating national pride while also highlighting unresolved political disputes with Baghdad.

President Barzani’s statement avoids direct political commentary on current negotiations, instead focusing on the philosophical and enduring spirit of the Kurdish cause, reminding his audience that the homeland is an inseparable part of its people's identity.