On the anniversary of her passing on September 2, the veil was lifted from the statue of Professor Mirella Galletti (1949-2012), well known as a close friend of the Kurds.

Professor Galletti, who passed away at the age of 63, is remembered as a leading expert in Kurdish studies. Since the 1970s, she frequently traveled to the Middle East, particularly Kurdistan, for her research, and wrote many books on the Kurds.

In Erbil #SamiAbdulrahamanPark, with Governor #OmedKhoshnaw and other relevant authorities, we unveiled a bust in memory of Italian Prof. Mirella Galletti (1949-2012) to pay tribute to her tireless researches and studies on Kurds, which remain a reference for all scholars. pic.twitter.com/HDjKaasXGj

— Italy in KRI (@ItalyinKRI) September 5, 2024

Italy’s Consulate General in Erbil in a post on X said that the ceremony took place in Sami Abdulrahman Park and was attended by Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw and other relevant authorities. “We unveiled a bust in memory of Italian Professor Mirella Galletti to pay tribute to her tireless research and studies on Kurds, which remain a reference for all scholars.”

During the ceremony, Governor Khoshnaw thanked the guests and attendees, especially the family of Professor Galletti.

“Today in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, we proudly and honorably unveil the statue of a dear and beloved friend of our people, a woman who, during the 1970s, came to Kurdistan and devoted her life to researching and studying the life, culture, customs, and history of our people.”

“She lived through the difficult days of our people’s revolution and struggle, enduring the hardships alongside them. Today’s tribute is the respect and recognition of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for her efforts, work, and contributions.”

He also thanked Italy’s Consulate General in Erbil, the Minister of Municipalities and Tourism Sasan Awni, and the Consulate staff for their cooperation.

Italy’s Consul General Michele Camerota in his speech thanked Governor Khoshnaw and other authorities for their support, as well as the family of Professor Galletti for attending the event.

He underlined that Professor Galletti played an important role in the study of the Kurds.

Proud to have attended the unveiling of a bust for Professor #MirellaGalletti, an eminent specialist in Kurdish studies and history, at Sami Abdulrahman Park. The event honored her legacy and significant contributions to the academic community and beyond. pic.twitter.com/Ea3slvh9QR

— Safeen Dizayee (@SafeenDizayee) September 4, 2024

“The Kurds often say, ‘The Kurds have no friends but the mountains,’ but Professor Galletti was a true friend of the Kurds, especially in the 1970s. Italians like Professor Galletti and Graziella Bronzini, to whom a similar tribute was dedicated in Qaladiza in 2022, were friends of the Kurds during a challenging time, different from the situation now. Their commitment contributed to strengthening the relations between Italian and Kurdish people.”

Consul General Camerota also thanked France’s Acting Consul Rodolphe Richard for attending the event.

"The friends of the Kurds were not only Italians, but, among others, also many French people. I want to thank Rodolphe from the French Consulate for attending. As mentioned, Professor Galletti was one of the founders of the Kurdish Institute of Paris.”

KRG Department of Foreign Relations Head Safeen Dizayee said that it is said that “the Kurds have no friends but the mountains, but looking around us, with all these diplomatic missions in Kurdistan and with friends frequently visiting us, probably that old saying has no validity.”

“We still have our mountains, but today they are not for running away and hiding. They are more for pleasure, hiking, and picnics, and we sincerely hope we will help international friends as such.”

“We are proud of this fine lady who dedicated her life to research and writing about the Kurdish people. We are remembering her, and thank the family members that are here today. We pay homage and respect to the rest of the family. This bust will remain here so long as this park is here.”