121 years of legacy: Mulla Mustafa Barzani's enduring impact on Kurdish-Russian relations

The following is a special article written for Rudaw by Russian Consul General in Erbil, Maxim Rubin, to mark 121 years since the birth of prominent Kurdish leader, commander, and patriot Mulla Mustafa Barzani.

Mulla Mustafa Barzani has become a spiritual figure for the Kurdish people, who fought for their freedom and rights. In 1946, he participated with his loyal and likeminded companions in establishing the first independent Kurdish state in modern history, the Republic of Kurdistan, of which Mahabad was the capital. But instead of happiness and joy, the new state was soon overwhelmed by a bloody massacre. 

The Republic of Kurdistan was the result of joint efforts of the Soviet Union and the Kurdish people. The Soviet Union’s army imposed a no-fly zone in the territory of East Kurdistan. This land was protected and suitable for the Kurdish Peshmerga, led and guided by Barzani, to begin extracting gains and rights from the Shah of Iran. Under this type of cooperation, it was possible to establish this Kurdish state. However, as a result of geostrategic changes and the balance of power in the region and the world, it was unfortunately not possible to maintain the friendship of the two powers represented by the Soviets and the Kurds.

Barzani and his brave army were forced to leave the region, and he, along with 500 of his companions, faced an endless siege for a long period.

They were able to confront Iranian, Iraqi, and Turkish military attacks and overcome the obstacles they faced. Then, after overcoming many obstacles and crossing and passing through the difficult mountains, they reached the Aras River and the Soviet border. It should be noted that thanks to the intelligence and efficiency of Barzani's leadership, it became possible for his entire army to cross the Aras River without any significant loss of life. This event resembles a true epic and legend that indicates the strength and courage of Mullah Mustafa and his army, not only for the people of Kurdistan but for the whole world.

After great trouble and hardship, Barzani and his companions were able to obtain asylum and support from the Soviet Union, which was a friendly country to the Kurds. It is no coincidence that during his interviews with former Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov - when those interviews were conducted with Mullah Mustafa Barzani, Primakov was a journalist for the Pravda newspaper - Barzani stated that "the Soviet Union (Russia) is my father."

The Kurdish Peshmerga, led by their eternal leader, received a warm reception in the Soviet Union and were provided with housing, food, and medical care. The Soviet Union then provided military training and education in Soviet Union education centers for Barzani and his army. Barzani completed political and military studies in the best military education institutions in the Soviet Union, Mikhail Vasilyevich Frunze Academy. Barzani stayed in the capital of the Soviet Union until 1958, and the Soviet authorities provided him with an apartment in Moscow. There is currently a memorial plaque on the house that bears witness to the struggle of the people of Kurdistan and Barzani.

The Kurdish forces and Peshmerga remained for about 12 years in the Soviet Union, and during this period they became part of Soviet society, formed families, had children, learned the language, and became acquainted with the culture of the Russians. That is why many of the children and grandchildren of Kurdish fighters who were born and raised in the Soviet Union speak with great emotion about their childhoods spent in Russia.

An important and long history of friendship between Russia and the Kurds is full of these types of events, and has now yielded a clear understanding that the Kurds' current position on Russia is an extension of the established relations that Barzani established. That is why Russia's friendship and support for relations with the Kurdish people is a fact and a historical phenomenon.

Maxim Rubin is the Russian Consul General in Erbil.