President Masoud Barzani arrived in Şırnak Province on Saturday to take part in the Fourth Symposium of Mala Jaziri, an event dedicated to honoring the influential Kurdish poet and Sufi scholar. Upon his arrival, he was warmly received by Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Interior, Munir Karaloğlu, the Governor of Şırnak, Bırol Akgüç, and the head of Şırnak municipalities, Muhammad Yarka.

The symposium, attended by a large gathering of scholars, researchers, academics, and political and administrative officials, highlighted the enduring legacy of Mala Jaziri as a towering figure in Kurdish literature, mysticism, and philosophy. President Barzani addressed the audience with a keynote speech reflecting on Jaziri’s intellectual and spiritual contributions.

President Barzani opened his remarks by expressing gratitude for the warm reception, calling the occasion “a very happy day” in his life as he joined the fourth conference dedicated to Mala Jaziri. He thanked all local officials, state institutions, parliamentarians, and the people of Şırnak for their hospitality.

Barzani described Mala Jaziri as “a star that never fades” and “the pinnacle for lovers of the path of Truth.” He highlighted the timeless nature of Jaziri’s poetry, noting that each reading feels as fresh as the first. He recalled how Jaziri’s verses were frequently recited in the Barzan Tekye in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed Barzani, reflecting the spiritual closeness between them.

Citing historical research, Barzani noted that Jaziri was born around 1570 and passed away in 1640, living 70 years “full of prosperity, blessing, knowledge, and learning.” He emphasized Jaziri’s mastery of Kurdish, Turkish, Arabic, and Persian, as well as his extensive travels in pursuit of scholarship, including visits to Amed (Diyarbakır).

Barzani highlighted Jaziri’s achievements in multiple fields:

He stated that Jaziri had reached the highest mystical rank, “Annihilation in God” (Fana fillah), expressing divine oneness with clarity and depth. Barzani quoted several well-known couplets illustrating Jaziri’s interpretation of Tawhid (Divine Unity).

He characterized Jaziri as a revolutionary thinker who offered profound insights into human existence, referencing one of Jaziri’s metaphoric verses on fate and the nature of life.

Barzani also emphasized Jaziri’s realism, citing verses that reflect wisdom, justice, and moral character, noting they reveal “how knowledgeable and great Mala was.”

The President praised Şırnak University for institutionalizing the symposium as an annual scholarly tradition, calling the effort commendable.

Barzani then quoted verses in which Mala Jaziri described himself as “a flower of the garden of the land of Aram” and “the night-lamp of the night of Kurdistan.” He also invoked Ahmad Khani’s celebrated praise of Jaziri’s spiritual stature.

Reflecting on the region’s historical significance, Barzani reminded attendees that, according to the Quran, Mount Judi — located in Şırnak — is where the Ark of Noah came to rest, calling this “a source of pride for all of you and for us.”

In concluding his speech, President Barzani addressed the ongoing peace process in Turkey, describing the latest developments as highly positive and orderly, with the support of the public, parliament, and political parties.

He expressed gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Turkish state, the Turkish Parliament, and the Turkish nation for “opening the door of peace,” and he commended Abdullah Öcalan for taking constructive steps. Barzani reaffirmed the Kurdistan Region’s full support for the peace process, stating that they are “ready to do whatever is required” to help it succeed.

“God willing,” he said, “the process will reach a very good conclusion and bring goodness and happiness to all of us.”