Sheikh Abdulsalam Barzani and Kurdistan Independence
Sheikh Abdulsalam Barzani and Kurdistan liberation movement
The available sources indicate he had a great role across Kurdistan in early 1900s. Firstly, he has played a significant role in Kurdish national movement “IRSHAD” (Rightly guided). Secondly, he had good relation with Christian minorities in Kurdistan and was protecting them. Thirdly, perhaps he was among first Kurdish leaders to refuse Ottoman Turkish government religious and political supremacy in Kurdistan at that time.
The IRSHAD movement was largely organized in Ottoman Kurdistan and had a good relationship with Eastern (Iranian) Kurdistan through Smko Aga. Until World War One the Ottoman Kurdistan covered much of Kurdistan. According to Dr. Celile Celil who based his work on Russian documents, the IRSHAD was organized in most major Kurdish cities like, Erzurum, Van, Diyarbakir, Urfa, Musul, Bitlis, and some other cities.
The oganization was founded in May 1912. It is goal was to create and independent Kurdistan with Russian support.
Some times in 1913 the IRSHAD held a meeting in Sirvan (Sherwan) a sub district of Siirt. In this meeting organization decide to send a committee under the leadership of Sheikh Abudulselam Barzani to Tiflis (It was under Russian control) for meeting with Russians officials. According to Dr. Suat Akgül the committee was referred to as “Sheikh Abdulsalam Committee]” The multiple sources reports that Abdulsalam had very good relation with Smko Aga distinguish Kurdish leader in Eastern (Iranian) Kurdistan which largely was under Russian control.
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