Mam Jalal’s Ninth Death Anniversary Commemorated in Baghdad

PUKMEDIA

The memorial ceremony marking the ninth anniversary of the passing of President Mam Jalal in Baghdad.

A memorial ceremony marking the ninth anniversary of the passing of President Mam Jalal was held in Baghdad on Saturday evening, 3 October 2026.

The ceremony was attended by Iraqi President Nizar Amedi, Speaker of Parliament Haibat al-Halbousi, Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, former Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, as well as senior officials, political leaders and prominent political and diplomatic figures.

The ceremony opened with a recitation from the Holy Quran and the reading of Al-Fatiha in honour of the souls of President Mam Jalal and Iraq’s martyrs.

The Iraqi Symphony Orchestra then performed a musical rendition of “Shawqan Jalal” (Yearning for Jalal), a poem by renowned Iraqi poet Muhammad Mahdi al-Jawahiri dedicated to President Mam Jalal. A documentary chronicling the life and struggle of the late national leader was subsequently screened.

President Nizar Amedi addressed the ceremony, welcoming attendees and highlighting what he described as President Mam Jalal’s significant role in Iraq, Kurdistan, the region and beyond.

“Today, with hearts filled with both pride and sorrow, we commemorate the ninth anniversary of President Mam Jalal’s passing,” Amedi said. “We gather here today, representing all components of society and political forces, to mark an occasion in which we all participate with deep conviction.”

He added that the anniversary provided an opportunity to draw lessons from the efforts President Mam Jalal devoted to the cause of freedom.

“He was distinguished by an intellect capable of resolving problems amid the complex circumstances of his time—circumstances that demanded dialogue and political consensus,” Amedi said. “President Mam Jalal will forever remain in our hearts and spirits, and we shall always cherish his memory.”

Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi subsequently addressed the ceremony, saying that commemorating President Mam Jalal’s passing was, in effect, a commemoration of Iraq’s history.

“Today, we honour the memory of a figure whose imprint is clearly visible across all political spheres,” Halbousi said. “During his presidency, President Mam Jalal embodied the role of a prominent leader who brought together diverse political views and factions through dialogue.”

He added: “Iraq today needs to draw lessons from the experiences of past leaders. Problems are not resolved through discord, but rather through agreement, mutual understanding and tolerance. For this reason, we recall with deep reverence the achievements President Mam Jalal made for the sake of Iraq.”

Sayyid Ammar al-Hakim then addressed the ceremony, highlighting President Mam Jalal’s role in building the new Iraq.

“We gather today for a national commemoration that holds great significance in the hearts of Iraqis, marking the years since the passing of President Mam Jalal—a man who held a distinguished place in the hearts of the Iraqi people,” al-Hakim said.

He also conveyed his greetings to PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani and Qubad Talabani.

“President Mam Jalal was a political and national figure—a true Iraqi—who possessed a remarkable ability to bring people together and resolve issues through dialogue,” he said. “Furthermore, he sincerely championed the Kurdish cause while remaining steadfast in his commitment to securing the rights of all the people.”

In his remarks, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, head of the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, said that President Mam Jalal believed Iraq could not achieve stability without the participation of its people and viewed dialogue as a means of managing relationships.

“As Iraq navigates a pivotal juncture, we attach great importance to commemorating President Mam Jalal and remembering his approach,” al-Sudani said.

He added that President Mam Jalal regarded Iraq’s strength as rooted in the unity of its people and adherence to the Constitution.

“It is essential that we value the achievements made by his people and recognise the continuity of his approach,” he said. “Mam Jalal struggled for a homeland founded on the Constitution and partnership—a vision that we can clearly see reflected today.”

Al-Sudani added: “Iraq stands at a critical juncture concerning its sovereignty and national decision-making.”

Ahmet Davutoğlu, a prominent Turkish politician and former prime minister, addressed the ceremony, saying that President Mam Jalal had brought people together and continued to unite them even after his passing.

“I met Mam Jalal many times, and he always spoke responsibly and sought to bring Iraqis and Kurds together,” Davutoğlu said.

“He was not someone who said one thing while keeping something else in his heart. He was a very sincere person. When he embraced you, he did so with all his heart.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Ambassador Dr Mohammed Sabir, head of the President Jalal Talabani Foundation, delivered a speech on behalf of President Mam Jalal’s family.

Sabir said Mam Jalal belonged to a political generation that lived through a difficult period, adding that when he assumed the presidency, he saw it as a national responsibility and gathered everyone around him.

“President Mam Jalal had a unique ability to bring political parties closer together and maintained extensive relations with Arab countries,” Sabir said.

“He understood that, regardless of how difficult the situation became, relations should never be severed.”



PUKMEDIA