ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — The death of a French journalist renowned for his work in Kurdistan, drew a letter of condolence penned from the President of the Region to Chris Kutschera’s widow.
“On behalf of myself and all the people of Kurdistan, I extend my condolences to you and Chris Kutschera’s relatives and friends,” reads a letter penned from Masoud Barzani to Chris Kutschera’s wife, Edith Kutschera.
Chris Kutschera’s journalistic work in Kurdistan spanned decades, most recently writing books titled ‘The Long March of the Kurds: 40 years of history in the making’ and ‘The Kurdish National Movement.’
“I was deeply saddened to hear about the death of your husband, Chris Kutschera, a historian and a great writer,” Barzani expressed of the 79-year-old, who passed away on Monday
His work permeated throughout the stateless Kurdish nation, covering Kurds in Turkey, Iran and what is now the Kurdistan Region. He photographed the aftermath of the Anfal and Halabja genocides, as well as other atrocities carried out by Iraq’s former Baathist regime against the Kurdish minority.
Kurdish President Masoud Barzani gives a medallion to Edith Kutschera, the wife of Chris Kutschera. Photo: KRP
“He was a great friend of the people of Kurdistan. He played a great role in making the Kurds known to the outside world through his writing, books and research on the Kurds and Kurdistan,” Barzani added.
In addition to his published work, Kutschera maintained his own website that covered most major developments of the Kurdish nation in the second half of the 20th century and into the early 21st century.
He also took iconic photos of Kurdish leaders across the political spectrum through good and bad times..
Chris Kutschera’s work gave a face to the Kurdish nation in prestigious publications like Le Monde Diplamatique, Le Monde Coailys, The Middle East Magazine, El Wasat and El Mundo
He visited Rudaw’s newsroom in 2013, speaking to local journalists and staff.
Chris and Edith Kutschera meet with Ako Mohammed, the CEO of Rudaw Media Network.
“Chris Kutschera is a name that will be remembered by the Kurdish nation. His endeavors and great work, especially his work on the history, political and geographical circumstances of the Kurds, along with your role as his wife and assistant in producing his work deserve gratitude and recognition,” Masoud Barzani added.
His wife received a medal from President Barzani in 2013 for her service to the Kurdish nation.
“I share your grievances. I hope God provides you with patience and peace. May his soul rest in peace,” Barzani wrote to Edith.
Chris Kutschera studied at Sorbonne University and began working in journalism in Guatemala in the 1960s. He also worked in Africa, Asia, Europe and across the Middle East.
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