Sulaymaniyah authorities deny reports of vandalism at Kurdish poet Piramerd’s grave

SULAYMANIYAH — Authorities in Sulaymaniyah denied reports Saturday that the grave of prominent Kurdish poet Piramerd had been vandalized during Newroz celebrations, saying investigations found the claims to be inaccurate.

Images circulated online showing the site at Mama Yara Hill in poor condition following celebrations, prompting concern. But the Sulaymaniyah Police Directorate said after reviewing surveillance footage and visiting the site, it was confirmed that “the grave itself has not been damaged in any way.” Only a fiber signboard at the head of the grave was found broken, with dust accumulated on it, which police said suggested the damage was old and “may have been caused by wind or weather changes.”

The Kurdistan Region Security Agency similarly rejected the reports, saying the image of the poet installed on the grave had fallen due to weather conditions. Both agencies called on media to act more responsibly when handling such reports.

Piramerd, whose real name was Tawfiq Wahbi, was one of the foremost figures of modern Kurdish literature. Born in Sulaymaniyah in 1867, he played a central role in developing Kurdish journalism and literature and is closely associated with Newroz, having written the celebrated poem beginning “Today is Newroz, the New Year has returned,” which remains a staple of Kurdish New Year festivities.