Statue of renowned Kurdish poet Mufti Penjweni unveiled in Penjwen

PENJWEN — A statue honoring prominent Kurdish poet Mufti Penjweni was unveiled Thursday in a ceremony held in the center of Penjwen district, with the late poet’s daughter in attendance.

Sculptor Chenar Nizar, who designed the statue, said he spent five months crafting the piece to withstand the region’s cold climate. “Mufti was a well-known Kurdish poet,” he told 964media. “This is the 48th statue I’ve made and dedicated to Kurdistan.”

Nizar described the project as a personal and cultural obligation. “Mufti Penjweni is one of the most prominent figures of this city and among Kurdistan’s progressive poets,” he said. “Creating this statue wasn’t just important—it was a duty. In fact, it should have been done earlier.”

Mufti Penjweni was born in 1881 in Bestana village near Penjwen and died in 1952. He is widely celebrated for his patriotic and socially progressive poetry, which often called on families to educate their children—particularly girls—and contributed to the Kurdish national movement. His work was also known for its deep appreciation of Kurdistan’s natural landscape.

Nizar said plans are underway to build a statue of another Kurdish literary figure, the poet Qani, which is also expected to be installed in Penjwen.