Sema
On March 16, 1988, the Iraqi Baathist regime launched a devastating chemical attack on the Kurdish town of Halabja, marking one of the darkest chapters in Kurdish history. In the final stages of the eight-year Iraq-Iran war, the regime deployed deadly chemical agents such as mustard gas, cyanide, sarin, and tabun, resulting in the immediate deaths of thousands. The streets of Halabja were filled with the lifeless bodies of men, women, and children, victims of a brutal act of genocide.
The attack not only caused widespread death but also displaced 140,000 people, leaving families scattered and countless individuals still unaccounted for. Entire villages, including Halabja and surrounding areas like Sirwan, Khurmal, Biara, and Sayyid Sadiq, were destroyed, with over 25,000 homes reduced to rubble. Those who managed to escape, fleeing to Iran for safety, were often arrested and tortured upon their return, with many being imprisoned in the notorious Nugra Salman prison. Survivors still suffer from severe health problems, requiring ongoing treatment both within Kurdistan and internationally. For many, the scars, both physical and psychological, remain as painful reminders of the atrocity.
Despite the recognition of the chemical attack as genocide by Iraq’s High Criminal Court in 2010, and its endorsement by the Iraqi Council of Representatives and Federal Government, justice and reparations have yet to be delivered. In 2003, after the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime, the victims’ pursuit of justice began, but compensation has been largely absent. While the Iraqi government has declared March 16 an official holiday, this gesture remains symbolic and falls short of addressing the suffering of survivors.
In 2019, a specialized hospital was established in Halabja to support the victims, but it faces significant challenges, including a lack of essential medications. Around 400 survivors still require medical care, yet many must seek treatment elsewhere, underscoring the lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure in the region.
On a brighter note, March 13, 2014, marked Halabja’s official designation as a province of the Kurdistan Region, a step toward acknowledging the needs of its people. Halabja, now covering 889 square kilometers, boasts fertile agricultural land and over 150,000 dunams dedicated to farming. With 156 villages, the province is home to growing sectors like tourism and agriculture, which have become key drivers of its economy. Halabja’s tourism sector attracts over 300,000 visitors annually, drawn to its stunning landscapes and cultural heritage, while its agricultural output is vital to the region’s food supply.
Halabja’s cultural resilience is also evident in its festivals, such as the Pomegranate and Autumn Festival, which showcases local farmers, artisans, and traditions. These events highlight the strength and spirit of the Halabja people in the face of their traumatic history.
Furthermore, the Kurdistan Regional Government has invested in numerous development projects, with over 130 initiatives launched to improve infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other essential services. These efforts aim to transform Halabja into a thriving province while honoring its past.
However, the tragedy of March 16, 1988, remains a heavy burden. While Halabja has made significant progress, the memory of the chemical attack continues to weigh heavily on its people. Until meaningful compensation is provided, and justice is served, the legacy of the Halabja massacre will remain a painful chapter in Kurdish history, one that calls for recognition, accountability, and a commitment to the victims’ dignity and rights.