On Saturday, the public release of the book Documents of Erbil from the Ottoman Era was attended by political figures, intellectuals, and academics, including the prominent Turkish sociologist Ismail Besikci.

In his speech, Erbil Governor Omed Xoshnaw praised the tireless efforts of the team behind the project, which is a joint collaboration between Kurdistan Chronicle and the Erbil Governor Office.

He further acknowledged the historical importance of the documents, emphasizing their strategic role in understanding the region’s past.

He also highlighted the contributions of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in facilitating the availability of these documents, ensuring that they are accessible to the public, researchers, and academia alike.

Governor Xoshnaw took the opportunity to thank individuals and institutions involved in the project, including Kurdistan Chronicle, and gave special recognition to Professor Besikci for his significant contribution to Kurdish studies.

Later on Sunday, the governor also presented a certificate of appreciation to the team, which included Professor Besikci; Botani Tahseen, Publisher of Kurdistan Chronicle; Mullah Mustafa Giyani, the head of the Famar Association; and other members of Kurdistan Chronicle.

He acknowledged their contribution to preserving the historical documents that will continue to serve as a cornerstone of Kurdish heritage for years to come.

On December 22, 2024, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also met with Professor Besikci to express his gratitude for his lifelong advocacy for Kurdish rights.

The meeting was also attended by Tahseen and other members of the team involved in the book’s production.

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Professor Besikci has published 36 books and 31 research studies on the Kurdish cause, with 32 of his books banned in Turkiye. He spent 17 years in jail in Turkiye for his advocacy for Kurdish rights.

During the meeting, President Nechirvan Barzani expressed gratitude and appreciation on behalf of the people of Kurdistan for Besikci’s support and efforts to promote and protect the rights of the Kurdish people.

He also acknowledged the important work of the Ismail Besikci Foundation, especially in the field of Kurdish studies.