Peshmerga tribute statue in Kirkuk left neglected
A prominent statue honoring Kurdish Peshmerga fighters in Kirkuk remains neglected eight years after its construction, with visible damage and no restoration efforts to date, sculptors behind the project said on Tuesday.
Despite its significance and strategic location, the monument has suffered from years of exposure to harsh weather and a lack of maintenance, Barzan Dalo, one of the sculptors involved in the project, told Shafaq News.
'No repairs or cleaning have been done since it was installed,' Dalo said, expressing that 'For those of us who helped build it, the current condition is painful to see.'
The 23-meter-tall monument, depicting a Peshmerga soldier holding a flagpole and an AK-47 rifle, was installed in 2017 at the northern entrance of Kirkuk, near the Shoraw roundabout on the road to Erbil. It was erected following major battles between Kurdish forces and ISIS, serving as a tribute to the Peshmerga's role in defending the city.
Mounting the rifle on the statue's shoulder was a deeply symbolic moment, Dalo stated, adding that 'It represented the spirit of the fighter who bravely protected Kirkuk.'
The monument was created by the 'Ustad Man Group,' a collective of Kurdish artists, during a period of intense public appreciation for the Peshmerga's sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
Dalo criticized that, 'had this statue been an oil well, political groups in Kirkuk would have competed to maintain and invest in it. Unfortunately, it seems that symbolism means nothing without material benefit.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
3 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Ancient rites revealed: Sasanian burial chambers found in Iraq's al-Anbar
Shafaq News - Al-Anbar On Friday, archaeologists confirmed that a site long rumored to be a 'sunken kingdom' on Anah Island in Iraq's al-Anbar province is, in fact, a collection of Sasanian-era burial chambers. Director of Anbar Antiquities Ammar Ali stated that the rock-cut structures, carved into limestone cliffs along the Euphrates, were used for funerals during the 2nd century BCE and early CE periods. The dead were positioned seated and facing the sun, consistent with Zoroastrian customs of the time. Ali dismissed local legends claiming the area was once a kingdom, prison, or ruled by a mysterious queen. 'There is no historical or archaeological basis for these stories." He explained that similar grave designs appear in other regional sites such as the Maghawir Majoul caves, indicating a widespread burial method during the Sasanian period. The site, known informally as Talbas, was likely a minor outpost used during conflict or isolation, not a major city. The burial cavities are located beyond the old settlement's boundaries. Much of the structure has deteriorated due to rising water levels and limestone erosion, erasing significant portions and leaving behind only a few identifiable segments.
Shafaq News
3 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Flames of Ashura: Najaf tribes light up path to Karbala
Shafaq News – Najaf In the days leading up to Ashura, fire torches lit by tribal members once again illuminated the streets of Najaf, as part of a distinctive annual ritual held by local communities in southern Iraq. From the evening of the 8th until the 10th of Muharram (the first month in the Islamic calendar), the city's tribes parade blazing torches near the shrine of Imam Ali, accompanied by the rhythmic beating of drums. The ritual is a key part of Najaf's Ashura traditions and draws large crowds each year. The torches, fueled by black oil or crude petroleum, are carried on shoulders and above heads as symbolic gestures. According to participants and local observers, the flames either represent war and vengeance or serve as a nod to the historic practice of guiding pilgrims on their journey to Karbala. Once the processions conclude, the fires are extinguished by civil defense teams standing by to ensure public safety. Shiite Muslims commemorate Ashura to mark the killing of Imam Hussein — the grandson of Prophet Muhammad — along with his family and companions, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. The mourning rituals continue for 40 days, culminating in Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
Shafaq News
a day ago
- Shafaq News
Rwanga Foundation drums up cultural pride in Erbil
Shafaq News - Erbil On Thursday, Rwanga Foundation has launched a summer training course in Erbil for children to learn the Kurdish frame drum (daf). The six-week course kicked off with an opening ceremony attended by children and their families. It will provide schoolchildren across Erbil province with hands-on training in rhythm, performance, and the history of the instrument. The foundation said the decision to focus on the daf was driven by its cultural significance in Kurdish heritage and emphasized the importance of keeping traditional instruments alive through education. Established in 2013 by Idris Nechirvan Barzani, the Rwanga Foundation is a nonprofit in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, initially focused on ensuring quality education for all children. Over time, it has expanded its mission to include economic development, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and humanitarian aid. It also supports climate action through local initiatives that align with its environmental objectives.
