Sema
According to the letter, amid reports and speculation that the Iraqi government and the Central Bank of Iraq are considering replacing or redesigning the country’s banknotes, Ezidi leaders face a major historical and national responsibility as the legitimate representatives and voice of the community in decision-making institutions.
Khalani warned against repeating past oversights, recalling the missed opportunity to include Ezidi symbolism in the design of Iraq’s new passport. He stressed that addressing this omission today is an “ethical and political responsibility” that requires genuine pressure to ensure that an authentic Ezidi symbol representing the community’s civilization and presence is featured on the anticipated banknotes.
The writer emphasized that the demand to include Ezidi symbols on Iraqi banknotes goes beyond a mere artistic detail or symbolic gesture, describing it as “official recognition of the constitutional and pluralistic nature of the country” and an acknowledgment of the Ezidi community’s deep-rooted history in Mesopotamia and the immense sacrifices it has made throughout history.
Khalani concluded his open letter by calling on all active Ezidi institutions and representatives to unite their efforts and urgently raise the issue with the Prime Minister’s Office and the Central Bank of Iraq.
He stressed the need for a new Iraq to be a homeland that embraces all its citizens and takes pride in all of its indigenous communities.