The remains of Rafiq Sabir, a prominent Kurdish poet, writer, and politician, were returned to his homeland on Sunday to be laid to rest in his native soil in Qaladze, Sulaymaniyah Governorate.

Sabir, 76, passed away on February 28 in Stockholm due to cancer.

Farewell Ceremony in Ranya

Prior to his interment at Qaladze Cemetery, a formal farewell ceremony took place in Ranya, attended by citizens, government officials, and the family and friends of the deceased.

Speaking on behalf of the Sabir family to Channel8, Ms. Nasreen expressed deep gratitude to the public for their presence and support.

“I cannot express his legacy in words; he was a patriotic and beloved man,” she noted.

His condolence ceremony is expected to be held in the city of Sulaymaniyah on Monday.

Influential Kurdish Poet Who Shaped Modern Kurdish Literature and Identity

Born in Qaladze in 1950, Dr. Rafiq Sabir Qadir emerged as one of the most influential figures in modern Kurdish literature.

He completed his early education in his hometown before moving to the capital to attend the University of Baghdad, where he earned a degree in Kurdish Language and Literature from the College of Arts in 1974.

During this formative period, Sabir also established himself in the media, serving as a journalist for the Baghdad-based newspaper Biri New (New Thought) from 1972 to 1978.

Sabir’s literary debut occurred in 1976 with the publication of his innovative work The Embers Are Glowing, which introduced a new level of aesthetic and intellectual innovation to Kurdish poetry.

In 1982, he moved to Bulgaria to pursue advanced studies at the Academy of Social Sciences. He was awarded a Doctorate in Philosophy in 1987; his dissertation, The Role of Culture in the Formation of Kurdish National Consciousness, remains a seminal text on Kurdish identity.

In 1989, Dr. Sabir settled in Sweden as a refugee, where he continued his prolific career as a poet and scholar until his passing in 2026.

He was also a member of the Kurdistan Parliament from 2001 to 2009.

Sabir Leaves Legacy with Iconic Works

During his literary career, he published several notable works in Kurdish literature and authored 11 poetry collections. Among his most notable works are Halabja Elegy (Don't Leave Me Alone), Glowing Embers, Burning in the Rain, and Rendezvous with Light.

A Global Literary Figure in Poetry and Linguistics

In addition to his poetry, Dr. Sabir published extensive works on linguistics and political theory. His poems have been translated into nine languages, including English, French, and Swedish.

His legacy is marked by numerous accolades, including Sweden’s Klas de Vylder Literary Award and the Golden BLA Award in Sulaymaniyah. After settling in Sweden in 1989, he remained a vital cultural voice until his passing in 2026.