The Baghdad International Book Fair brought the Feyli Kurds tragedy back into public awareness. Moreover, Iraq’s Martyrs Foundation opened a dedicated pavilion to highlight their suffering. It showcased lives lost and the crimes committed against them.
Over 22,000 Feyli Kurds disappeared during Saddam Hussein’s rule. Most of their remains are still missing. Consequently, families continue to struggle with property claims and compensation, leaving this injustice as a lasting wound in Iraq.
The exhibition displayed books, photos, and documentary materials. In addition, these works recounted the victims’ daily lives and the oppression they endured. Panels also detailed systematic killings, mass displacements, and later hardships during the rise of ISIS.
Yasser Najm, head of exhibitions at the Martyrs Foundation, explained the pavilion’s purpose. He said it preserves the martyrs’ names for future generations. Furthermore, it reminds visitors of Iraq’s dark past under dictatorship. Najm added that remembering the Feyli Kurds reinforces values of sacrifice and loyalty.
The pavilion featured both historical documents and modern publications. For example, visitors explored photographs of destroyed neighborhoods, personal belongings, and testimonies from survivors. However, several panels showed how the government failed to address property restitution. Therefore, families are still seeking justice for their decades-old losses.
The Book Fair attracted thousands of readers and scholars. Meanwhile, many praised the effort to keep the Feyli Kurds tragedy alive in public memory. The exhibition also sparked debates on reconciliation and historical accountability. In particular, students and young visitors showed deep interest in the marginalized community.
Organizers stressed that the pavilion honors the past while educating future generations. Moreover, it encourages dialogue about human rights violations and the long impact of political repression. As a result, visitors left with a deeper understanding of the courage and sacrifices of the Feyli Kurds.
The Martyrs Foundation plans to expand the exhibition in the coming years. Finally, future additions will include digital archives and interactive displays. Their goal is to ensure the Feyli Kurds tragedy is never forgotten.
