Slemani — A new book examining the life and legacy of the medieval Kurdish leader Saladin was officially launched in Slemani city on Sunday during a ceremony that also featured the unveiling of a statue honoring the historic figure.
The event, organized by the Karimi Alaka Foundation, introduced “Saladin Al-Ayyubi; A Kurdish Sufi and a Stolen History,” the latest work by Kurdish researcher and writer Soran Hama Rash.
According to the organizers, the book presents a detailed review of Saladin’s life, achievements, and historical legacy, while seeking to reexamine existing narratives surrounding the renowned military and political leader. The author describes the work as an effort to correct what he views as historical inaccuracies and to highlight Saladin’s Kurdish identity and contributions.
Speaking during the ceremony, participants emphasized the importance of revisiting historical sources and encouraging scholarly debate about prominent figures in Kurdish and regional history.
The book explores Saladin’s political, military, and spiritual dimensions, portraying him as both a Kurdish leader and a Sufi figure whose historical legacy has been interpreted differently across generations and cultures.
Coinciding with the book launch, organizers unveiled a statue of Saladin as a tribute to his historical significance and enduring influence. The monument was presented as a symbol of recognition for the role Saladin played in shaping regional history and his place in Kurdish collective memory.
Saladin, known in the West for leading Muslim forces during the Crusades and recapturing Jerusalem in 1187, remains one of the most celebrated figures in Middle Eastern history. His legacy continues to be the subject of academic research, public discussion, and cultural commemoration throughout the region.
The launch event drew academics, writers, cultural figures, and members of the public, reflecting continued interest in the historical legacy of one of the most influential leaders of the medieval era.