On September 7, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Seventh Branch organized a special evening honoring the first generation of Kurdish immigrants, celebrating 50 years since the arrival of the first Kurdish families in the United States in 1975 and 1976. As those families gathered in Nashville for a heartfelt reunion, memories of their journey — from displacement to building a vibrant community — filled the room.

In the aftermath of the Eylul Revolution’s collapse, many Kurds fled their homeland, seeking refuge from violence and persecution. A group of families found their way to the United States, with Nashville becoming a pivotal settlement point. Over the years, these families have adapted and thrived, creating a robust network that has significantly enriched local culture.

Hikmat Bamarni, director of the KDP’s Seventh Branch in the United States, read a statement from President Masoud Barzani praising the community’s legacy: “Half a century ago, severe political hardship and the aftermath of a collapsed revolution forced a group of Kurdish freedom fighters into exile, eventually bringing them to these shores. Through sheer dedication and resilience, they persevered to build a prominent community within American society — most notably in Nashville. I applaud every Kurd who remains deeply rooted in their heritage, whose heart beats for Kurdistan.” The message concluded with President Barzani urging the diaspora to “honor the principles of citizenship and respect the laws of their host nations.”

Highlighting unity within the diaspora, Bamarni echoed President Barzani’s vision for the community: “Our strength lies in our unity. Whatever our political or regional differences, we must stand as a beacon of harmony and brotherhood.” He added that Kurdish-Americans have a unique platform to promote peace and self-determination globally.

Beyond civic engagement, Bamarni told Kurdistan Chronicle that local officials in Nashville have pledged to name a street or park after the Peshmerga to honor the community’s lasting legacy and contributions to the city.

Many attendees shared personal stories of resilience, recounting how they faced challenges head-on. From completing their education to establishing successful careers, these families have demonstrated remarkable perseverance.

Dr. Gazi Zibari, who was recognized as one of the most honored doctors in the United States in 2025, reflected on their journey and the opportunities America presented to them. “We arrived as this mighty nation was preparing for its 200th anniversary. Recently, we witnessed America’s 250th anniversary,” he noted, emphasizing the historical context of their arrival on July 1, 1976. “We are indebted to the United States for giving us a second chance at life at a time when the Ba’ath regime was committing war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and the Arabization of Kurdistan.”

Dr. Zibari pointed out the devastating impact of these actions, mentioning the Anfal campaign, which “resulted in the flattening of approximately 4,500 villages, with 189,000 civilians killed and buried in mass graves. Later, chemical weapons were used in Halabja and other areas of Kurdistan.”

Nashville — locally known as “Little Kurdistan” — has become home to one of the largest Kurdish communities in the United States, with an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 members. The city’s ties to the Kurdistan Region were formally strengthened on September 9, 2023, when Erbil and Nashville established sister-city status, marking a notable step in expanding cultural and civic cooperation.