Sheikh Mahmud Barzanji

Sheikh Mahmud Barzanji (1878–1956)

Religious Leader | Kurdish Nationalist | King of the Kingdom of Kurdistan (1922–1924)
Leader of Revolts Against British Rule in Southern Kurdistan

Sheikh Mahmud Barzanji, also spelled Mahmoud Barzani or Mahmud Hafid, was a Kurdish religious and tribal leader who led multiple uprisings against British colonial rule in Southern Kurdistan after World War I. He is most famously known for declaring himself King of the Kingdom of Kurdistan, making him the first modern Kurdish leader to attempt to establish an independent Kurdish state in the 20th century.

Posted by Zagrosian · 12 May 2025

Posted by Zagrosian · 12 May 2025

Background and Early Life:

Sheikh Mahmud was born into the powerful Qadiriyya Sufi order in Silêmanî, a religious and spiritual family with significant influence in southern Kurdistan. He inherited both religious authority and tribal leadership, giving him broad legitimacy among Kurds.

Posted by Zagrosian · 12 May 2025

Post-Ottoman Power Vacuum:

After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire following World War I, Britain took control of Mesopotamia, including Kurdish regions, under a League of Nations mandate. The British faced unrest in many areas, and in an attempt to manage Kurdish affairs, they appointed Sheikh Mahmud as governor (wali) of Silêmanî in 1918.

However, Sheikh Mahmud had ambitions for Kurdish independence and used his position to organize resistance against British rule.

Posted by Zagrosian · 12 May 2025

First Revolt (1919):

In 1919, Sheikh Mahmud led his first revolt, declaring opposition to British control and calling for Kurdish unity. The British quickly crushed the rebellion, and he was captured and exiled to India.

Posted by Zagrosian · 12 May 2025

Posted by Zagrosian · 12 May 2025

Return and the Kingdom of Kurdistan (1922–1924):

As instability continued, the British brought Sheikh Mahmud back in 1922, hoping he could restore order. However, he again declared himself “King of Kurdistan” and launched a new revolt in Silêmanî.

This short-lived monarchy, known as the Kingdom of Kurdistan, had its own court and administration, and it raised the Kurdish flag. It is considered one of the earliest formal attempts to establish a Kurdish state in modern times.

However, lacking sufficient arms, funds, and international support, the kingdom fell by 1924 after a British military campaign. Sheikh Mahmud was forced into hiding, and Silêmanî was brought under tighter control.

Posted by Zagrosian · 12 May 2025

Legacy in Kurdish History:

First modern Kurdish leader to declare kingship and openly defy imperial powers. A symbol of early Kurdish nationalism and resistance against colonialism. While his revolts failed, his actions inspired future Kurdish leaders like Mustafa Barzani. Revered especially in southern Kurdistan as a pioneer of the national movement.

Posted by Zagrosian · 12 May 2025

Attributed quotation:

“Let Kurdistan be for the Kurds, not the foreigners. We shall fight for our soil, with God’s help.”

Posted by Zagrosian · 12 May 2025

Posted by Zagrosian · 12 May 2025

The first picture shows Sheikh Mahmud with captured pilots and British soldiers; the second and last show the moment he released them, at a meeting between him and a British general. The pictures were taken in Xurmal. The captain is named هۆڵتدا.

Posted by Zagrosian · Found by mani06669 · 18 May 2025

From a Turkish newspaper:

“British and Iraqi forces are at war with the Kurds. Sheikh Mahmud, who has adorned himself with the title of leader of Kurdish nationalists, succeeded in entering Iraq”

Posted by Teymur · 15 August 2026