Kurdish Journalism Day: Print Journalism in Decline in Kurdistan Region

Kurdistan 10:18 AM - 2025-04-22

Journalist reading a newspaper.

Today marks the anniversary of the publication of the first issue of the Kurdish newspaper Kurdistan, which was founded 127 years ago by Miqdad Midhat Bedir Khan in Cairo, Egypt. Since that historic milestone, more than 1,000 newspapers and magazines have been officially licensed in the Kurdistan Region. However, only 12 daily and weekly newspapers—primarily affiliated with political parties or operating as semi-private outlets—are currently in circulation. According to the Secretary of the Sulaymaniyah branch of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate, print journalism in the Kurdistan Region is experiencing a significant decline.

Secretary of KJS's Sulaymaniyah Branch Karwan Anwar told PUKMEDIA: "More than 1,000 newspapers and magazines in the Kurdistan Region received a license from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) from 1992 to 2025, but of these, 12 newspapers and about 30 to 40 magazines are published weekly, monthly, seasonal and annually."

"The rapid evolution of media technology, the proliferation of social media, and ongoing financial crises have profoundly affected newspapers, magazines, and other print publications in the Kurdistan Region," he added. "These factors have created significant financial challenges and reduced readership, leading to a notable decline in the circulation and sustainability of print media compared to previous periods."

"As a result, many newspapers have either ceased their print editions or transitioned to digital formats in an effort to adapt to the changing media landscape and economic pressures," he said.

Although today, 22 April 2025, marks the 127th anniversary of the publication of the first Kurdish newspaper, Kurdistan—an occasion officially recognised and commemorated by the Kurdistan Regional Government as part of its calendar of events and holidays—the state of print journalism faces a marked decline. 

Despite the historical significance of this day, which celebrates a vital milestone in Kurdish cultural and journalistic heritage, traditional paper-based journalism is experiencing significant challenges in the modern media landscape

On 22 April 1898, the first issue of Kurdistan, the inaugural Kurdish-language newspaper, was published in Cairo, Egypt, by Miqdad Madhat Bedirkhan. This milestone marked the beginning of Kurdish journalism and is commemorated annually as Kurdish Journalism Day throughout Kurdistan. 

The best newspaper opportunities originated from Sulaymaniyah

Ariwan Siwayli, Director of Printing and Publishing in Sulaymaniyah, highlighted the city's pivotal role in the development of the Kurdish press.

"Sulaymaniyah has seen significant growth in printing houses, fostering a favorable environment for paper publications," Siwayli told PUKMEDIA. "Historically, the best newspaper opportunities originated from Sulaymaniyah, with the majority of party-affiliated and private newspapers being published there."

"Currently, the Sulaymaniyah Printing and Publishing Directorate has licensed 138 printing houses, including facilities specialising in magazines, newspapers, and books, as well as commercial printing houses producing advertising materials and commercial logos," he added.

Sulaymaniyah's cultural significance has been formally recognised at multiple levels. In 2012, the Kurdistan Parliament designated Sulaymaniyah as the Capital of Culture. Later, on 31 October 2019, UNESCO declared Sulaymaniyah a City of Literature, a status that was further solidified on 21 June 2020, when UNESCO approved and officially endorsed the city's logo as an inventive city of literature. This recognition underscores Sulaymaniyah's longstanding contribution to Kurdish literature and culture.

Kurdistani Nwe: First Kurdish newspaper following uprising

Kurdistani Nwe, published by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan's (PUK) Media Boards, holds the distinction of being the first Kurdish newspaper published after the 1991 Kurdish uprising. This publication marked a significant milestone in Kurdish media history.



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