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“Since its establishment, Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, and Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, have continuously supported the Lalish Cultural and Social Center,” Mir Hazim Beg added.
In a historic moment for the Yazidi community, Mir Hazim Tahsin Beg, the Mir of the Yazidi Kurds, delivered a powerful speech on Tuesday at the opening of the first International Scientific Conference on Yazidis in Duhok, emphasizing the critical importance of scientifically documenting Yazidi history, culture, and geography, and advocating for greater Yazidi representation within the Kurdistan Regional Government.
Speaking at the prestigious event, held under the supervision of Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Mir Hazim Beg declared, “Holding scientific and academic conferences of this kind is very important for identifying and determining the true history, geography, and culture of Yazidis in Kurdistan, Iraq, and the world.”
The two-day conference, organized by the Lalish Cultural and Social Center in cooperation with the University of Duhok, has drawn researchers, academics, and dignitaries from 11 countries, all contributing dozens of research papers aimed at illuminating the rich but often misunderstood legacy of the Yazidi people.
In his address, the Yazidi Mir called upon the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to ensure that Yazidis are granted a more prominent role in governance, requesting that important cabinet positions be allocated to Yazidi representatives in the next government formation. His plea comes amid broader calls for deeper inclusion of religious and ethnic minorities within the Kurdistan Region’s political framework.
Mir Hazim Beg also praised the consistent support provided by key Kurdish leaders, stating, “Since its establishment, Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, and Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, have continuously supported the Lalish Cultural and Social Center. This center has been able to provide excellent service to Yazidis in recent years.”
The Lalish Cultural and Social Center, the foremost institution dedicated to Yazidi heritage, has played a vital role in preserving and promoting Yazidi culture, especially following the devastating genocidal campaign launched by ISIS in 2014. Its collaboration with the University of Duhok for this conference marks a significant step in institutionalizing Yazidi studies within international academic discourse.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s endorsement of the conference underscores the KRG’s broader commitment to religious and ethnic diversity, minority rights, and cultural preservation. The conference itself is seen as a milestone, not only for the Yazidis but also for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in recognizing the contributions and rights of marginalized communities.
With the publication of research findings expected to follow the conclusion of the conference on Wednesday, participants hope that this effort will lay the groundwork for future scholarship and policy-making that better reflects the unique identity, history, and aspirations of the Yazidi people.
The Duhok gathering sends a resounding message: the Yazidi community is determined to safeguard its heritage, secure rightful representation, and contribute meaningfully to the fabric of a pluralistic and inclusive Kurdistan.