Talabani: Passing Of Veteran Mehdi Zana A Monumental Tragedy
At a Glance
- The PUK President extended condolences over the passing of politician Mehdi Zana.
- Talabani described the loss as a "monumental tragedy" and a steel symbol of resilience for every Kurd.
- The former Mayor of Amed dedicated more than six decades of his life to socialist and pro-Kurdish political advocacy.
Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) President Bafel Jalal Talabani extended his deepest condolences to Kurdish politician Leyla Zana and her family following the passing of veteran political figure Mehdi Zana, praising his lifelong dedication to defending Kurdish identity and rights.
Key Statement and Focus Area
Bafel Jalal Talabani noted that, “We were deeply saddened and heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of the veteran freedom fighter, Mr. Mehdi Zana.”
“Mr. Mehdi was a steel symbol of resilience, bravery, and the unwavering stance of our people,” he stressed.
Following the passing of Zana today, Talabani issued a condolence message, praising him as an individual who “dedicated a life full of honor and dignity to the language, identity, and legitimate rights of the Kurdish nation.”
“The loss of this great man is a profound grief and a monumental tragedy for every Kurd,” he added.
Talabani emphasized that, “The struggle of both yourself and Mr. Mehdi constitutes a glorious chapter that will never fade from the heart of this nation.”
The PUK president extended deepest condolences “to you, and as always, we consider ourselves partners in your grief. We pray to Almighty God to bless the pure soul of Kak Mehdi with His vast paradise, and to grant patience and solace to you, your family, and his companions.”
FYI
Kurdish politician and activist Mehdi Zana has passed away at the age of 85. Born in Silvan, Amed (Diyarbakir), Zana initially worked as a tailor before dedicating over six decades of his life to socialist and pro-Kurdish political advocacy.
In December 1977, he was elected Mayor of Amed as an independent candidate, focusing his tenure on implementing infrastructure projects in the city's underdeveloped neighborhoods.
Following the September 12, 1980 military coup in Turkey, Zana was arrested and subsequently spent over a decade in detention, primarily inside the Amed Military Prison.
Throughout his imprisonment, he maintained his political stance and later authored books detailing the human rights violations and conditions inside the facility.
Alongside his wife, Leyla Zana, the first Kurdish woman elected to the Turkish Parliament, he was part of a prominent political couple associated with Kurdish political movements.
Following periods of subsequent release and exile in Europe, Zana returned to Turkey in 2004. His long career left a significant impact on modern Kurdish political history and regional human rights advocacy.
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