ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdistan Region’s leaders on Wednesday celebrated the Kurdistan Flag Day to honor what Kurds refer to as the “Alla Rengîn” - “colorful flag” in Kurdish - hailing it as a symbol of national identity and historical resilience.
In a statement on X, President Masoud Barzani congratulated the Kurdish people, describing the Kurdistan flag as "a sacred emblem and symbol of our people."
The flag "carries the message, dreams, and aspirations of all the people of Kurdistan," the preeminent Kurdish leader added, wishing a “Happy Flag Day to the dear people of Kurdistan."
Of note, President Barzani in mid-November issued a strongly worded statement emphasizing that “great sacrifices and much blood have been shed” to protect the Kurdistan flag. He stressed that “the flag belongs to every Kurd, and every Kurd has the constitutional and legal right to take pride in both their flag and the achievements of their people.”
The preeminent Kurdish leader made the remarks while meeting a Kurdish youth who was reportedly beaten around that time by Iraqi security forces in the disputed Kirkuk province for carrying the flag on federal legislative election day. A video of the incident circulated widely online, sparking public and official outrage and prompting calls for accountability.
President Barzani then asserted that “no person or party has the right, under any pretext, to insult the Kurdistan flag or prevent it from being raised.”
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Wednesday marked Kurdistan Flag Day at Erbil’s historic Citadel, describing the banner as “a symbol of peace, prosperity, and coexistence.”
The ceremony was attended by representatives of various religious communities, as the Kurdish premier honored the sacrifices of thousands of Peshmerga fighters and emphasized the duty to “keep the flag raised high.”
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani marks Kurdistan Flag Day ceremony at Erbil's historic citadel. pic.twitter.com/RabJl7Azgg
— Rudaw English (@RudawEnglish) December 17, 2025
For his part, Bafel Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), on Wednesday marked the occasion, stating, "Our flag is our identity, a symbol of endurance, sacrifice, and dignity. We protect it with our very spirit."
Talabni stressed that the day is an opportunity for Kurds to "honor all our martyrs who gave their lives for the glory and honor of our flag" and urged everyone to "embrace our differences and work together to build a brighter future for our beloved people."
Millions of Kurds across the Kurdistan Region and the global diaspora observe Kurdistan Flag Day every year on December 17.
The Kurdistan flag was first raised over official government buildings in 1946, when Kurdish leader Qazi Muhammad declared the Republic of Mahabad in the city of Mahabad, in the Kurdish-majority western Iran (Rojhelat).
Although the republic existed only briefly, the flag has come to symbolize Kurdish resistance and nationalism in the face of oppression.
The Kurdish flag features a red band, representing the blood of those who sacrificed their lives for Kurdish freedom; a white band, symbolizing peace and equality; and a green band, reflecting the Kurdish homeland, its mountains, and serene waters.
At the center is a 21-point golden star spanning all three bands, symbolizing the rebirth of an entity or the revival of an idea, according to prominent Kurdish historian Mehrdad M.R. Izady, who worked to standardize the flag.
In 2004, the Kurdistan Region’s legislature officially designated December 17 as Kurdistan Flag Day, which has since been celebrated annually by millions of Kurds worldwide.