Twenty-seven years ago, from May 24 to 26, 1999, in the presence of many guests and friends of the Kurds, representatives of the people of Kurdistan gathered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to announce to the world the founding of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK). That day was a historic day. For the first time in Kurdistan’s history, representatives of Kurdish parties, organizations, institutions, and all components of Kurdistan, together with independent Kurdish figures from every field of society, came together to establish a national institution. This marked an unprecedented step in the struggle for national unity — one without parallel in the history of Kurdistan. For this reason, the day became both historic and deeply significant.

Kurdish national unity has for centuries been a great aspiration, a dream and vision of poets, writers, workers, and leaders. The great poet and writer Ehmedê Xanî expressed this dream 332 years ago in these words:

“If we could form a union by agreement
And to that union we all submitted
Then we would perfect religion and State
We would be able to cultivate knowledge and wisdom

Likewise, Hacî Qadirê Koyî, who is referred to as the “second Ehmedê Xanî,” continued 140 years ago with these words:

“From now on, courageously create unity among yourselves;
There is one condition that is necessary for all:
That condition is complete unity.”

Many leaders and figures also sought to establish national unity, but unfortunately they did not succeed. The founding of the KNK is the continuation of all those efforts; it is the realization of their will and dreams.

Since its founding, the KNK has worked to advance broad national and patriotic unity. Over the past 27 years, the KNK, as a national and patriotic institution, has carried out many important activities. It has helped strengthen the awareness and consciousness of internal unity, deepened internal dialogue, and taken significant steps in both domestic and international diplomacy. Through years of dedicated work and effort, the KNK has established a positive tradition among Kurds and the people of Kurdistan. Every KNK meeting and gathering became a forum for national and patriotic consultation. In the sphere of internal relations, important principles, rights, and norms were also established.

By declaring Kurdish Language Day, the KNK initiated a great tradition that today has become a nationwide and national celebration throughout Kurdistan and across the diaspora, celebrated every year.

Through the declaration of the Strategic Document, legal and ethical norms regarding the relations and positions of the dynamics of Kurdistan were established, which everyone should respect.

A quarter of a century has now passed since the founding of the KNK. The KNK will further expand its efforts to strengthen unity and Kurdish diplomacy. It will strive to unite and strengthen all the defense forces of Kurdistan under one coordination. The KNK will continue intensifying its efforts for the success of the Kurdish revolution in all parts of Kurdistan. Likewise, the KNK will persist tirelessly in its work toward the great goal of national and patriotic unity.

The KNK is currently engaged in a major effort: organizing a National Conference with the participation of all Kurdish parties, organizations, institutions, independent personalities, and all components of Kurdistan, in order to strengthen national unity. This work is continuing rapidly.

On the occasion of its 27th anniversary, and in the spirit of Ehmedê Xanî’s philosophy, the KNK once again calls on all the people of Kurdistan: no matter who you are, what force you belong to, or what ideas, beliefs, or opinions you hold, come and take your place within the KNK. There is a place for all people of Kurdistan under the umbrella of the KNK.

During these 27 years, some members and founders of the KNK were martyred, while others have passed away. In the persons of Ismet Şerîf Wanlî, Îbrahîm Ehmed, and Martyr Denîz Bulbun, the KNK warmly commemorates all the martyrs of Kurdistan and all KNK members who have passed away, and honors their memory with deep respect.

On this occasion, we once again congratulate all the people of Kurdistan and the friends of the Kurds on the 27th anniversary of the founding of the KNK, and we wish success to all national forces.

Long live national unity.
Long live the KNK.

KNK Executive Council
23.05.2026