128th Anniversary of Kurdish Journalism Celebrates Legacy of Kurdistan Newspaper

Kurdistan 10:13 AM - 2026-04-21

Issue 1 of Kurdistan, the first Kurdish newspaper.

22 April 2026 marks the 128th anniversary of the publication of Kurdistan, the first Kurdish-language newspaper, first issued in Cairo in 1898 on the hands of Miqdad Madhat Badirkhan and his brother Abdulrahman Badirkhan in exile at Dar Al-Hilal publishing house with the support of renowned Arab Novelist and journalist Jurji Zaydan. The paper went on to become a landmark in the history of Kurdish journalism and national awareness.

An Individual Initiative

Kurdistan was the first privately published Kurdish newspaper and was distinguished by its literary and cultural character. Historians note that its founder, Miqdad Madhat Badirkhan, recognised the absence of Kurdish state institutions capable of publishing a newspaper in Kurdish, prompting him to launch the initiative independently.

National Thought and Intellectual Influence

The writings and poetry of Haji Qadiri Koyi are widely considered to have influenced Miqdad Madhat Badirkhan. His works, rich in national consciousness and calls for enlightenment, helped shape the intellectual environment in which Kurdistan emerged.

Dr Sherko Manguri, a university professor, said that the poetry of Haji Qadiri Koyi played an important role in the publication of Kurdistan newspaper, particularly those writings shaped by national consciousness. He noted that this marked the early emergence of national thought as a driving force in literature and journalism, with nations seeking to express their identity through poetry and published articles.

Why Cairo?

Miqdad Midhat Badirkhan travelled to Egypt to publish the Kurdistan newspaper because there was no authority at the time able to support Kurdish media initiatives. As Egypt was resisting Ottoman Empire rule and enjoyed a comparatively freer atmosphere, the Bedirkhan family considered Cairo the most suitable place to launch the publication. However, once the Ottoman authorities became aware of the newspaper, its operations were later moved to Europe.

There are differing views regarding the orientation and editorial direction of the pioneering Kurdistan newspaper. Some historians believe it served as a platform linked to the Committee of Union and Progress. Others argue that it was published with support from Freemasonic circles and Armenian groups, while another view suggests that the newspaper benefited from British backing.

Protecting Identity, Language and Culture

Although neighbouring countries had earlier newspaper traditions, many of their first publications were official state newspapers. By contrast, Kurdistan was an independent publication dedicated to preserving Kurdish identity, language and culture.

The Newspaper’s Message

Abdulrahman Badirkhan became editor-in-chief from the sixth issue of Kurdistan, which was published in Geneva in 1899. His appointment brought notable changes to the newspaper’s writing style and editorial approach. From its first issue to its last, the newspaper carried a message calling on Kurds to rise up and learn literature and science.

Continuing Legacy

Kurds have long commemorated 22 April as Kurdish Journalism Day, honouring generations of writers, editors and reporters who advanced Kurdish media and public life.

This year marks the 128th anniversary of Kurdish journalism. While 128 years represents a significant chapter in the history of Kurdish media, it remains relatively recent when compared with the longer journalistic traditions of many other countries, particularly in Europe.

Europe’s first recognised newspaper, Relation: Aller Fürnemmen und gedenckwürdigen Historien, is widely recognized as the world's first newspaper, published from 1605 in Strasbourg by Johann Carolus. Its earliest editions carried reports from Cologne, Antwerp, Rome, Vienna and Prague. The newspaper was edited by printer Johann Carolus, who had previously produced handwritten news sheets.

The pioneers of Kurdish journalism shared similar ambitions with their European counterparts in terms of reporting news and promoting public awareness. In Kurdistan, early printers and intellectuals took major steps in publishing newspapers and magazines in Kurdish, including Hussein Huzni Mukiryani, Piramerd, Giw Mukiryani and others, whose efforts laid the foundations of modern Kurdish journalism.



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