Sulaymaniyah: Capital of Culture & Land of Freedom

Kurdistan 10:23 AM - 2024-09-18

Guardians of Truth Monument

The Guardians of Truth monument is situated in Sulaymaniyah and pays tribute to the martyred journalists who sacrificed their lives in all 19 provinces of Iraq to convey the truth. The Secretary of the Sulaymaniyah Branch of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate stated that Sulaymaniyah is the capital of culture and the land of freedom. 

 

Guardians of Truth Commemorates the Spirits of Journalists

The Guardians of Truth monument was unveiled in Sulaymaniyah's Azadi Park on September 14, 2024. This monument commemorates the names of 551 journalists who sacrificed their lives for their profession during the last 20 years in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. 

 

20 Journalists Have Been Martyred in the Last 20 Years

From 20 years ago till 2024, the Kurdistan Region has seen a total of 20 journalists who were martyred. Among these, 12 journalists were martyred in Erbil, while the smallest number was recorded in Halabja, where one journalist was martyred. In Sulaymaniyah province, five journalists were martyred, including the two female journalists who were targeted in a Turkish drone strike near Said Sadiq District. Additionally, two journalists were martyred in Duhok. 

 

Martyred Journalists' Number is Acknowledged for the First Time

Karwan Anwar, the Secretary of the Sulaymaniyah Branch of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate, told PUKMEDIA that the number of journalists who have been martyred in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region has been officially recognised for the first time. He pointed out that this initiative comes from the Kurds, emphasising that although Iraq has approximately 530 martyrs, no monument has been established in their memory.

Anwar further said: "Sulaymaniyah is a haven for freedom fighters and a place where the freedoms of expression, demonstration, journalism, and all other liberties are upheld. People from other regions of Kurdistan often come to Sulaymaniyah to voice their opinions and offer criticism. Thus, Sulaymaniyah is the cultural capital and a land of freedom."

He further said: "Although hundreds of people have been tortured and killed in Azadi Park, this is a really suitable decision today that it is a space for freedom of expression."

 

Sulaymaniyah is Eager for Freedom of Expression

Sulaymaniyah is eager for freedom of expression across all of Iraq, not just within the Kurdistan Region. The website established for the Guardians of Truth Monument serves as a resource for accessing the works and biographies of the martyred journalists.

Hozan Qadir, Head of the Journalists Organisation for the Rights and Development (RORD), informed PUKMEDIA: "The establishment of the Monument of the Guardians of Truth demonstrates Sulaymaniyah's strong desire for freedom of expression across Iraq, extending beyond the Kurdistan Region. Reports by the RORD indicate that the number of instances of journalistic assaults in Sulaymaniyah is quite little."

He further added: "The opening of this monument conveys a significant message to Iraq and the Middle East. It features the names of 551 journalists, demonstrating that Sulaymaniyah holds the top position in Iraq in terms of freedom of expression."

"The establishment of a website dedicated to the works and biographies of martyred journalists is significant. This is because a search on the website can yield comprehensive information about the lives of journalists, including their works and their workplaces," Qadir added.

 

Qubad Talabani Supports Journalists 

Journalist Zana Hassan informed PUKMEDIA: 'The creation of the monument is a continuation of President Mam Jalal's commitment to prioritising journalists and promoting freedom of expression. President Mam Jalal also convened audiences with prominent Kurdish authors and poets at Azadi Park and told them, "I will establish a platform here where you may offer criticism towards me. This is a platform for freedom." He directed all television channels to be filled with criticism."

"Qubad Talabani carries on the legacy of President Mam Jalal by supporting journalists and freedom of expression, which are essential pillars of democracy. From this viewpoint, the monument was created to promote press freedom and to ensure that no one suffers martyrdom or torture for their writing," he added.

 

 

PUKMEDIA