ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Wednesday marked Kurdistan Flag Day with celebrations atop Erbil’s historic ancient Citadel, labeling the flag “a symbol of peace, prosperity, and coexistence.” 

“The Kurdistan flag is the emblem and symbol of our nation, the emblem and symbol of the steadfastness and endless sacrifices of our people, and the emblem of peace, prosperity, and coexistence,” Barzani said in a speech. 

The occasion, celebrated annually on December 17, was attended by various government and religious representatives. 

During the event, Barzani stressed that “it is the duty of all of us to keep the flag raised high,” remembering the sacrifices of thousands of Kurdish fighters in the quest for freedom. 

President Masoud Barzani also celebrated the occasion as “a symbol of the victories of our nation,” describing the flag as “the carrier of the message, dreams, and wishes of all Kurds.” 

The Kurdistan flag was first officially raised in 1946 during the declaration of the Republic of Kurdistan under Qazi Muhammad’s leadership in modern-day western Iran’s (Rojhelat) city of Mahabad. 

The Kurdistan Region’s parliament in 2004 officially designated December 17 as Flag Day. 

The first Kurdistan flag, on display at the Barzani National Memorial in northern Erbil’s Barzan area, was sewn by a female fighter from Mahabad named Fatima Hosseini. 

After the 1991 uprising in the Kurdistan Region, the flag was raised over the headquarters of the political parties and institutions until it was officially recognized as the national flag by the Kurdish parliament on November 11, 1999.

The color red on top of the flag symbolizes those who fell fighting for the Kurdish cause, the green at the bottom represents nature, and the white in the middle stands for peace. At the center, a 21-rayed sun displays the traditional new year, known as Newroz, which is celebrated on March 21.