Born 1948 · Died 1979
Foad Mostafa Soltani (1948–1979)
Foad Mostafa Soltani, also known as Kak Foad, was a prominent Kurdish revolutionary and co-founder of the Revolutionary Organisation of the Toilers of Kurdistan, widely known as Komala. His life and activism left a lasting impact on the Kurdish leftist movement in Kurdistan and Iran.
Posted by Zagrosian · 12 May 2025
Early Life and Education:
Born in Merîwan, a city in Eastern Kurdistan, Foad pursued electrical engineering studies in Tehran. During his university years, he became deeply involved in Marxist ideology, forming an underground socialist group with fellow Kurdish students. This group eventually evolved into Komala, aiming to advocate for Kurdish rights and social justice.
Posted by Zagrosian · 12 May 2025
Imprisonment and Political Activism:
Foad’s political activities led to his arrest by the Shah’s secret police. He endured four years of imprisonment and torture, steadfastly refusing to divulge information about his comrades. Released in 1979, shortly before the Iranian Revolution, he immediately resumed his activism, organizing Komala’s activities and encouraging Kurdish participation in politics.
Posted by Zagrosian · 12 May 2025
Role in the 1979 Kurdish Rebellion:
Following Ayatollah Khomeini’s jihad fatwa against Kurdistan in August 1979, Foad played a crucial role in organizing resistance. He was instrumental in creating the Merîwan people’s movement and establishing the first Peshmerga units in the region.
Posted by Zagrosian · 12 May 2025
Death and Legacy:
In late August 1979, Foad was killed during a confrontation with Iranian forces between Seqiz and Merîwan. His death was a significant loss to the Kurdish movement. Despite his short life, Foad’s contributions to the leftist movement in Kurdistan and Iran were numerous. He is remembered as a great thinker, an exceptional organizer, and a symbol of resistance against oppression.
Posted by Zagrosian · 12 May 2025
Posted by Zagrosian · 12 May 2025
Foad Mostafa Soltani’s life and legacy continue to inspire Kurdish activists and scholars. His dedication to the cause of Kurdish rights and social justice remains a poignant chapter in the history of Kurdish resistance.
Posted by Zagrosian · 12 May 2025
Posted by Zagrosian · 12 May 2025
See Foad Mostafa Soltani on the 1900s Kurdish Figures page →