Mam Jalal, the Patriotic Union, and Their Commitment to the Turkmen Community

President Mam Jalal always acted with evidence and thorough preparation. Before visiting any party, he would review the history of his relations with them, ensuring he was fully prepared. During meetings, he would provide historical examples as evidence. This meticulous approach continues to be a hallmark of the PUK leadership.

One notable example occurred on February 9, 2004, during a historic appeal attended by members of the Iraqi Governing Council in Kirkuk. President Mam Jalal surprised the participants by presenting an Ottoman-era map affirming the Kurdish identity of Kirkuk. This act reflected the PUK’s long-standing policy and belief, not a tactical maneuver to appease the Turkmen or due to external pressure.

Even during challenging times, President Mam Jalal showed concern for the Turkmen community. Following the Kurdish uprising, while Kurdish rights remained unfulfilled and the regime in Baghdad was still in power, the Kurdistan region was on the brink of civil war. Following the genocide, chemical attacks, and displacement by the Baathists, President Mam Jalal prioritized opening a special school for the Turkmen.

This initiative exemplified his inclusive vision. Despite financial crises, security instability, and external threats during the regional government's infancy, he recognized the importance of safeguarding the rights of all communities. His efforts also included opening the Husseinia mosque in Sulaimaniya for the Shia sect.

While traveling from Sardasht to Bewran village, I encountered a village with a mosque at the mountain's base. A local resident welcomed me and explained that the mosque was built upon President Mam Jalal’s decision. The President had frequently visited their village, and after the fall of the Baath regime, he sent funds for constructing the mosque as a gesture of loyalty.

President Mam Jalal and the PUK have consistently aimed to unite society, promote development, and avoid war and devastation. During the uprising, Peshmerga units emphasized awareness and respect for diverse beliefs. The PUK understood that education and language were crucial for preserving Kurdish identity. In the 1980s, they resisted a planned shift from Kurdish to Arabic education, a move that could have severely impacted Kurdish culture.

In addition to preserving Kurdish language, on March 21, 1995, President Mam Jalal instructed Mr. Kosrat Rasul to establish a special school for the Turkmen, covering primary to secondary grades and beyond. He ensured that passing Kurdish was not a requirement for Turkmen students, highlighting the PUK’s commitment to respecting minority rights without imposing Kurdish language on them.

In Kifri, the PUK’s respect for other communities was evident as they provided education in native languages and dedicated spaces for this purpose. President Mam Jalal’s clear directive to Mr. Kosrat Rasul emphasized that fulfilling these inclusive policies was a matter of principle, not a tactical or propagandistic effort.

Nearly 30 years after President Mam Jalal’s directive to establish a school for the Turkmen, some individuals attempt to distort history and obscure the PUK’s inclusive legacy. They claim that the PUK seeks to marginalize the Turkmen through electoral reforms. However, the PUK remains committed to Mam Jalal’s policy of mutual acceptance and respect for all communities, striving to adapt to contemporary challenges while upholding his enduring legacy of struggle, humility, and inclusiveness.