Joyce Blau, scholar and advocate for Kurdish language, dies age 92

Joyce Blau, a prominent scholar of Kurdish language and literature and a pioneering figure in Kurdish studies, passed away at age 92. Blau’s life was dedicated to advancing the study of the Kurdish language, preserving Kurdish literature, and advocating for Kurdish cultural rights. Her work earned her international acclaim and deep respect from Kurdish communities across the world.

Blau was born in 1932 in Alexandria, Egypt, into a Jewish family. She became a renowned professor emeritus  at the Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales in Paris, where she built the foundation of Kurdish studies in France. As a co-founder of the Kurdish Institute of Paris, Blau was a constant supporter of Kurdish language preservation, providing critical linguistic and cultural insights through her teaching, writings, and translations. Her work became instrumental in connecting Kurdish and French academic circles, elevating Kurdish literature, and expanding awareness of Kurdish cultural identity.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, extended his condolences, saying, “I extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Professor Joyce Blau, a friend of the Kurds, writer, and expert in Kurdish language and literature, as well as to her colleagues at the Kurdish Institute of Paris. I share in their sorrow and wish to show them my solidarity. Mrs. Blau devoted most of her life to supporting the Kurdish people, serving their language, literature, and culture. For her unwavering friendship and efforts, she will remain forever in our thoughts. May her soul rest in peace, and her memory endure.”

Kurdish and French leaders, scholars, and community members expressed sorrow and respect following Blau’s death, remembering her legacy and unwavering dedication to the Kurdish cause. “We are deeply moved by the passing of our dear friend Joyce Blau,” stated the Kurdistan Regional Government’s representation in France. “A passionate defender of our cause, she was a specialist in Kurdish language and literature. Condolences to her family, loved ones, and the Kurdish Institute of Paris, of which she was a pillar.”

Ali Dolamari, the KRG’s representative in France, shared his sadness in a statement: “With great sadness, I learned of the passing of our dear friend Joyce Blau, who left many fond memories behind. My condolences to her family, the Kurdish Institute of Paris, and all her loved ones. May God rest her soul.”

The Kurdistan Democratic Party’s Department of Foreign Relations honored her enduring legacy as well, writing, “We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Professor Joyce Blau, a friend of the Kurds. Professor Blau was a specialist in Kurdish language and literature. In honor of her contributions and support for the Kurdish cause, the library of Joyce Blau, the founder of the Kurdish Institute in France, was opened on May 13, 2023, in the Erbil Citadel.”

The Joyce Blau Library, with branches in Beirut, Damascus, and Amman, was opened in Erbil’s historic Citadel to honor Joyce Blau’s contributions as the founder of the Kurdish Institute in France and her lifelong dedication to Kurdish cultural and linguistic preservation.

Many Kurdish leaders reflected on Blau’s legacy, including Safeen Dizayee, head of the KRG’s Department of Foreign Relations, who wrote, “Heartfelt condolences on the passing of Joyce Blau to her family and loved ones. Professor of Kurdish language and literature and a founder of the Kurdish Institute of Paris, she was a strong advocate and supporter of the Kurdish cause. Her legacy and dedication will never be forgotten.”

Falah Mustafa, Senior Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of the Kurdistan Region, shared, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend Joyce Blau of the Kurdish Institute in Paris. Ms. Blau was a true friend of the Kurds, a strong advocate for the Kurdish cause and studies. My heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones.”

French diplomats also mourned her passing. Yann Braem, the current French consul general to Erbil, reflected on the loss, stating, “A tremendous loss. Joyce Blau’s passing leaves us orphaned. She was such a strong link between France and the Kurds. Tonight, I think of all her loved ones, especially her colleagues at the Kurdish Institute, to which she devoted so much dedicated energy. Our deepest condolences.”

Olivier Decottignies, the French ambassador to Armenia and former French consul general in Erbil, noted, “I learned with great sadness of Joyce Blau’s passing. A woman of science and conviction, she was a pioneer of Kurdish studies in France and a steadfast supporter of the Kurdish cause. In May 2023, we inaugurated alongside her the library that bears her name at the French Institute of the Near East in Erbil. I extend my sincere condolences to her loved ones and her friends at the Kurdish Institute of Paris.”

Blau’s academic work, teaching, and advocacy have left a lasting impact on Kurdish studies and on Kurdish communities around the world. Her contributions to Kurdish language preservation, translation, and literature have made Kurdish culture more accessible and comprehensible to broader audiences, ensuring her legacy will continue for generations.