Late Kurdish actor Zahir Abdullah laid to rest in Erbil

ERBIL — The body of Zahir Abdullah, a prominent Kurdish cinema and theatre actor from Erbil, was buried on Sunday at the Kasnazan Cemetery. The funeral ceremony was attended by fellow artists, residents, and his family members, honoring his contributions to Kurdish art.

Abdullah passed away on Saturday, at the age of 66, following a long battling with cancer.

Before his burial, Abdullah’s body was brought to the Tairawa neighborhood of Erbil, where he was born in 1958. His son, Lawin Zahir, told 964media that the family took a symbolic walk with his body through the neighborhood before proceeding to the burial site.

Zahir Abdullah began his artistic journey in 1972, participating in a theatrical performance titled “The Result of Worshipping Money”.

Over the course of his career, he contributed to dozens of stage plays, as well as numerous dramas and films. In addition to his work as an actor, he ventured into writing during the 1970s, publishing several short stories, including a collection titled “Kharand”.

Figures in Kurdish art paid tribute to Abdullah’s legacy. Karokh Ibrahim, a director and actor, described him as “a fortunate man who has left behind a rich history for future generations.” Speaking to 964media from the mosque where Abdullah’s body was prepared for burial, Ibrahim added, “We now feel the immense void left by his absence.”

Producer Ghafar Abdulaziz noted Abdullah’s significant influence on bridging the artistic communities of Sulaymaniyah and Erbil. “He was one of those who consistently worked to unite artists from the two cities,” he said.

Ayam Akram, a prominent Kurdish actor, described Abdullah as a “kind-hearted and generous individual who held no grudges and always supported fellow artists.”