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Muhammed KasiKurdish politician, President of the Mahabad Republic
Date of Birth: 01.01.1893
Country:  Iran |
Content:
- Qazi Muhammad: Kurdish Nationalist and Founder of Mahabad Republic
- Political Rise
- Establishment of the Mahabad Republic
- Execution
- Legacy
Qazi Muhammad: Kurdish Nationalist and Founder of Mahabad Republic
Early Life and EducationQazi Muhammad, a prominent Kurdish political figure and the president of the Mahabad Republic, was born in or around 1900 in Mahabad, Iran. He belonged to the upper echelon of the Debokri tribe and descended from a line of hereditary Qazis (religious and secular judges) in the city. Qazi Muhammad's family was patriotic, with his grandfather, Faizulla-bek, leading a militia against a Turkish-German invasion in 1918.
Qazi Muhammad himself was highly educated, fluent in his native language, Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Russian, and English.
Political Rise
After the Soviet-British occupation of Iran in 1941, the Mukriyan Kurdistan region (where Mahabad was located) became a neutral zone between the two occupation zones. Qazi Muhammad, who served as the Qazi and mayor of Mahabad, became the de facto ruler of the area.
Qazi Muhammad was closely associated with the nationalist organization "Jiine Kurdistan" (Life of Kurdistan), which he later led. In late 1945, he became the chairman of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan, which emerged from "Jiine Kurdistan."
Establishment of the Mahabad Republic
On January 22, 1946, Qazi Muhammad proclaimed the establishment of the Kurdish Republic in Mahabad's Charchara Square. The republic, however, faced the hostility of the Iranian government.
Execution
After the fall of the Mahabad Republic on December 16, 1946, Qazi Muhammad, despite an announced amnesty, was arrested and brought before a military court. According to witnesses, Qazi Muhammad maintained composure and dignity throughout his ordeal.
He refused an offer from Mustafa Barzani to escape, stating, "I will stay in Mahabad with my people and prevent disorder and bloodshed for as long as possible." Qazi Muhammad hoped to spare the city from reprisals by sacrificing his own life.
On March 30, 1947, Qazi Muhammad, his brother Sadr Qazi, and his cousin Saif Qazi (minister of defense of the Mahabad Republic) were hanged in Charchara Square.
Legacy
Qazi Muhammad remains a revered figure among Kurds, known for his patriotism, courage, and unwavering commitment to his people. His words and actions continue to inspire Kurdish nationalists and freedom fighters to this day.
