The memoir of former Kurdistan Region President and leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party Masoud Barzani was announced as one of the finalists in the general history category at the 2024 International Book Awards on June 20.
The memoir, Barzani and the Kurdish Liberation Movement: Fourth Edition, 1975-1990 - The Gulan Revolution, Part One and Part Two, was translated into English by the UK-based author Davan Yahya Khalil.
Over 500 winners and finalists were announced in over 100 categories. The awards were presented for titles published in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
The 2024 International Book Awards is sponsored by American Book Fest, based in Los Angeles and Phoenix, United States.
“This award is a landmark moment in Kurdish history for several reasons. It brings global attention to Kurdish history and the Kurdish struggle for autonomy, highlighting the Kurdish people’s rich cultural and historical narratives. By winning such a prestigious award, President Barzani’s book underscores the importance of Kurdish literature and contributes to preserving and disseminating Kurdish heritage and stories,” Khalil said.
“The memoir offers an in-depth look at significant events and personal experiences within the Kurdish liberation movement, providing valuable insights and documentation for future generations.”
He said the book covered the period between 1975 and 1990, a crucial era in Kurdish history marked by intense struggle and significant developments.
Khalil underlined that the recognition of former President Barzani’s memoir at the 2024 International Book Awards not only honors his contributions to the Kurdish liberation movement, but also serves as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Kurdish people.
“This award is a significant milestone, bringing Kurdish history to the forefront of global literary and historical discussions, and ensuring that the sacrifices and struggles of the Kurdish people are acknowledged and remembered.”
The Brink of Freedom ? 2021 BIBA® Biography Winner!
— ? Best Indie Book Award™ (@IndieBookAward) June 22, 2022
From his birth in 1946, Masoud Barzani has been a symbol of Kurdistan’s fight for independence. He has fought for it as a peshmerga #IARTG #WritingCommunity https://t.co/OVve9WCZDV
In 2021, The Brink of Freedom: How Masoud Barzani Took Kurdistan to the Edge of Independence, written by Davan Yahya Khalil, was chosen as the winner of the Best Indie Book Award for the category of biography.
Former President Barzani has shown a keen interest in books and has published a number of them. Moreover, he inaugurates the yearly Erbil International Book Fair.
