21 November: A Tribute to the Heroes of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan

P.U.K 11:38 AM - 2025-11-21

PUK Martyrs’ Day.

Each year on 21 November, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) commemorates Martyrs’ Day and the New Revolution, marking the day when a group of PUK leaders—Shihab Sheikh Nuri, Jafaar Abdulwahid, and Anwar Zorab—were executed. It is a day that honours the revolution which defended and ultimately secured the legitimate rights of the Kurdish people.

This day holds particular significance, standing as a testament to the spirit of martyrdom and the principle of “Live a little, but with dignity.” It represents an important chapter in the history of the PUK, the people of Kurdistan, and Iraq.

The PUK has claimed the lion’s share of these achievements

When these leading fighters were executed by the agents of the former Ba’athist regime, grief spread across Kurdistan. Yet the New Revolution endured. Through the sacrifices of the Peshmerga, the blood of the martyrs, and the wise leadership of President Mam Jalal, the revolution reached safe harbour. Today, Kurds in the Kurdistan Region enjoy their own framework, influence, and unique democratic experience, with the PUK playing a leading role in these accomplishments.

26,000 PUK martyrs

Statistics from the PUK’s Martyrs Bureau sent to PUKMEDIA, indicate that the PUK has more than 26,000 martyrs.

The PUK’s history is rich with heroic epics from the struggle in mountains and cities, demonstrating that it spared no effort in securing the legitimate rights of the Kurdish people. Additionally, there are 4,150 living martyrs with special needs, wounded in the defence of Kurdistan and its people.



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