Iraqi President: Sulaymaniyah has Long Been at the Forefront of Struggle Against Injustice

Iraqi Presidency

Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid.

Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid extended his congratulations on Friday, 14 November 2025, to the people of Sulaymaniyah on the occasion of the 241st anniversary of the city’s founding.

In his message, the President highlighted the historic significance of Sulaymaniyah and its establishment by Ibrahim Pasha Baban, who made it the capital of the Baban Emirate and an important cultural and administrative centre. He praised generations of distinguished figures from Sulaymaniyah who have contributed to science, culture, politics, and the broader advancement of society.

He said: "Dear people of Sulaymaniyah, I am pleased to congratulate you on the 241st anniversary of the founding of Sulaymaniyah by the Babanis. To this day, the city continues to progress, becoming a leader in development—on par with major cities in Iraq and the region—and a beacon of beauty and brilliance in Iraqi Kurdistan."

He continued: "When the city was founded in 1784 by Ibrahim Pasha Baban, it was named Sulaymaniyah and made the capital of the Baban Emirate. It developed into a cultural, scientific, and civilisational centre, proudly symbolising struggle, resistance, and service to the homeland. This city has produced many important political, scientific, and cultural figures, and has been home to poets and writers loyal to the land and the nation who have dedicated their lives to serving humanity."

The President added that Sulaymaniyah has long been at the forefront of the struggle against injustice and the oppression of fascist regimes, striving for dignity, freedom, and a better future for coming generations.

He said: "Since the establishment of the Iraqi state, Kurdish leaders such as Sheikh Mahmud Barzanji have emerged from Sulaymaniyah and played an active role in promoting coexistence. Peace among all Iraqi communities is paramount, and for this reason, the people of Sulaymaniyah have worked tirelessly for a democratic, federal Iraq where the rights of all communities are protected."

He emphasised that the city has played a vital role in building a free and democratic federal Iraq.

The President continued: "Kurdish and Arab intellectuals share a deep-rooted bond and continue to work together towards common goals. Sulaymaniyah’s contribution to shaping a different Iraq—free from dictatorship—and the immense sacrifices it has made in this path deserve greater recognition and further efforts to enhance its progress and prominence."

He concluded by reaffirming the Presidency’s support: "In the Presidency of the Republic, we have continually worked to serve all governorates and cities of Iraq, striving to provide the best services and to promote development and progress. In this spirit, the Presidency has cooperated with the Federal Government, the Kurdistan Region, and local authorities to serve the people of Sulaymaniyah and all Iraqi cities, in fulfilment of their aspirations for dignity and a decent life."



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