Kurdistan
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Kurdistan Flag Day in Erbil on December 17, 2025. Photo: Kurdistan Region Presidency
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Wednesday commemorated Kurdistan Flag Day, celebrating the banner as a powerful symbol of unity that embodies the Kurdish people’s enduring aspirations for freedom and carries a timeless message of peace and coexistence.
Speaking at a ceremony in Erbil, President Barzani emphasized that Kurdistan Flag Day “is not merely a date on the calendar,” but “a renewal of our vow to the symbol that embodies our identity of existence, our history, our struggle and our aspirations for freedom and a dignified life.”
Highlighting the importance of unity, he added, “The true strength of Kurdistan lies in our harmony, togetherness and unity … beyond differences in opinion, politics, or religion.”
“We must work hand in hand to build a stable and prosperous Kurdistan for all its peoples, faiths, and communities,” President Barzani underlined.
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.
The Kurdish President on Wednesday further emphasized that “as we proudly raise our flag, we also reaffirm our commitment to constitutional partnership within a federal and democratic Iraq.”
“We want this flag to always convey a message of peace, dialogue, coexistence, and good neighborliness,” President Barzani added, affirming that “Kurdistan will continue to be a force for stability and a bridge for mutual understanding.”
Earlier in the day, the Region’s leaders celebrated Kurdistan Flag Day, honoring what Kurds call the “Alla Rengîn” - the “colorful flag” - and hailing it as a symbol of national identity and enduring resilience.
READ MORE: Kurdish leaders celebrate Kurdistan Flag day
Comments
Rudaw moderates all comments submitted on our website. We welcome comments which are relevant to the article and encourage further discussion about the issues that matter to you. We also welcome constructive criticism about Rudaw.
To be approved for publication, however, your comments must meet our community guidelines.
We will not tolerate the following: profanity, threats, personal attacks, vulgarity, abuse (such as sexism, racism, homophobia or xenophobia), or commercial or personal promotion.
Comments that do not meet our guidelines will be rejected. Comments are not edited – they are either approved or rejected.
Post a comment