The 34th Anniversary of the Kurdistan Uprising: A Legacy of Unity, Sacrifice, and Liberation

Kurdistan 09:44 AM - 2025-03-05

The uprising of the Kurdish people.

Today, Wednesday 5th March 2025, marks the 34th anniversary of the Kurdistan people’s uprising in 1991, against the dictatorship and oppression that prevailed under the rule of the dissolved Ba'ath Party.

The people of Kurdistan are celebrating the anniversary of their uprising, which is regarded as one of the heroic epics, witnessed not only by enemies but also by allies.

The first spark of this epic ignited on 5th March 1991 in the city of Ranya, which is considered the gateway to the uprising.

From Ranya to Kirkuk

Every year, during this time, the people of Kurdistan remember this heroic epic, in which they fought against the brutal fascist dictatorial regime that had oppressed the peaceful people of Kurdistan for over three decades.

On 5th March 1991, the city of Ranya witnessed the first act of resistance, sparking the valiant uprising of the people of Kurdistan. The uprising spread to Sulaymaniyah by 7th March, where the people completely rose up, gaining control over the city’s security and administrative departments. Those loyal to the fallen regime fled after facing the forceful resistance of the brave fighters. As a result, Sulaymaniyah was liberated on 8th March 1991.

The uprising’s momentum grew stronger, and by 11th March 1991, it reached Erbil, dispelling the darkness that had hung over the city and the entire Kurdistan Region. The fighters continued their swift advance towards victory and liberation, staining their path with the pure blood of innocent martyrs, liberating other cities such as Duhok, Koya, Shaqlawa, Halabja, Amedi, Makhmur, Zakho, Akre, Darbandikhan, Kalar, Chwarta, Penjwen, Sayed Sadiq, Kifri, Khanaqin, and all other regions of Kurdistan. Finally, on 20th March 1991, Kirkuk, the sacred city of Kurdistan, was liberated, marking the final stage of this immortal, heroic journey crowned with victory and the achievement of the uprising’s lofty goals.

Achieving the Goals of the Uprising

Among the political gains realised after the success of this epic struggle was the Kurdistan Front assuming control of the region’s administration. On 19th May 1992, the Kurdistan Parliament was elected, and a government was formed to manage the Region’s affairs. One of the new government’s main objectives was to secure the rights of the people of Kurdistan, who had long endured injustice and oppression under the defunct fascist regime.

The development witnessed in Kurdistan across various sectors is a direct outcome of the uprising’s goals and a true reflection of the government's work. This included the implementation of numerous important and strategic projects, as well as completing various initiatives in industry, agriculture, health, education, higher education, electricity, tourism, service provision, and infrastructure.

Above all, we must bow our heads in respect for the martyrs of the uprising, remembering with gratitude the various segments, groups, and political parties in Kurdistan, including the Kurdistan Front, which played a crucial role in uniting the people in the struggle, ultimately achieving the greatest victory in Kurdistan’s history. This victory represented a radical turning point in the liberation movement of the Kurdish people.

The Unity of the Ranks

The uprising proved the importance of unity among the people of Kurdistan, without which this significant achievement would not have been realised. The victory of the uprising was not isolated; it was followed by further successes, including the holding of the first parliamentary elections, the approval of federalism, and the formation of the first government in the Kurdistan Region. The unwavering will of the people and their political parties thwarted all threats and attempts to undermine the gains of the uprising.

Celebrating the anniversary of the uprising requires us to stand firm, reflect on its lessons, and translate them into actions that serve the public good. The achievements made in Kurdistan are the fruits of the uprising that began in Ranya when the people of Kurdistan chose to sacrifice for the cause of victory.

The Kurdistan uprising followed the popular uprisings in central and southern Iraq, both serving as popular referendums rejecting the injustice, oppression, and repressive tactics used by the now-defunct Ba'athist regime. Though the regime succeeded in suppressing uprisings in some provinces, it failed in Kurdistan.

The Kurdistan Region, in its current state, stands as a direct result of the uprising, and its experience is one that should inspire not just Iraq but the wider region. Every Kurd takes pride in what has been achieved, as it was made possible through the support and dedication of the people.

The PUK: The Architect of the Uprising

It is well known that the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) was the primary force behind the uprising. The PUK, through the Gali Kurdistan's Radio, motivated and led the masses, deploying armed cells such as Brusk and Shalaw in towns and cities. We must also acknowledge the significant role of the Kurdistan Front, which embodied the unity of the people of Kurdistan during the uprising—a unity that was key to its success.

Thousands of salutations to the souls of the martyrs of the 1991 uprising and all the martyrs of Kurdistan and Iraq, who gave their lives for the freedom and democracy of their people. We also salute all those who contributed to the success of the uprising and those who worked tirelessly to protect its gains.



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