Flag
The official flag of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq consists of three horizontal stripes in the colours red, white and green. For many, it has come to symbolize the continuous struggle of the Kurds for self-determination, their culture, and heritage. In the centre is a sun with 21 pointed rays, all equal in length. The sunrays represent “Newroz”, the Kurdish New Year, celebrated on the 21st of March.
Anthem
The Kurdish national anthem, Ey Reqîb, Oh foes who watch us, was written in 1938 by the Kurdish poet and activist Yonis Reuf while in custody in Iran. Originally written in Sorani, the anthem is also sung in the other Kurdish dialects, such as Kurmanji and Zazaki. Ey Reqîb was declared the official anthem of the Mahabad republic upon its formation in 1946. Today it is the anthem of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Ey Reqîb [Oh foes who watch us]
Oh foes who watch us, the nation whose language is Kurdish is alive
It cannot be defeated by makers of weapons of any time
Let no one say the Kurds are dead, the Kurds are alive
The Kurds are alive and their flag will never fall
We are the sons of the red colour of revolution
Our history is one filled with blood
Let no one say the Kurds are dead, the Kurds are alive
The Kurds are alive and our flag will never fall
We are the sons of the Medes and Kai Khosrow
Our homeland is our faith and religion
Let no one say the Kurds are dead, the Kurds are alive
The Kurds are alive and our flag will never fall
The Kurdish youth has risen like noble warriors
To draw the crown of life with blood
Let no one say the Kurds are dead, the Kurds are alive
The Kurds are alive and our flag will never fall
The Kurdish youth are ever-ready
And always prepared to sacrifice their lives
To sacrifice their lives, to sacrifice their lives.
Let no one say the Kurds are dead, the Kurds are alive
The Kurds are alive and our flag will never fall
Ey Reqîb Kurdish
Ey reqîb her mawe qewmî kurd ziman
Nayşikênê danerî topî zeman
Kes nelê Kurd mirdûwe, Kurd zîndûwe
Zîndûwe qet nanewê alakeman
Ême roley rengî sûr û şorişîn
Seyrîke xwênawiye raburdûman
Kes nelê Kurd mirdûwe, Kurd zîndûwe
Zîndûwe qet nanewê alakeman
Lawî Kurd hestaye ser pê wek dilêr
Ta be xwên nexşî deka tacî jiyan
Kes nellê Kurd mirduwe, Kurd zînduwe
Zînduwe qet nanewê allakeman
Ême roley Mîdya u Keyxusrewîn
Dînman, ayînman her niştiman
Kes nelê Kurd mirdûwe, Kurd zîndûwe
Zîndûwe qet nanewê alakeman
Lawî Kurdî hazir û amadeye
Giyan fîdaye, giyan fîda, her giyan fîda
Kes nelê Kurd mirdûwe, Kurd zîndûwe
Zîndûwe qet nanewê alakeman