Parisian Mayor Anne Hidalgo, at the inauguration of Peshmerga Alley in Paris’ Andre Citroen Park, said it is a tribute to "all what the Kurdish people and Peshmerga did for us, for our freedom, for peace," in the fight against ISIS. pic.twitter.com/AyclbZD9gR
— Rudaw English (@RudawEnglish) September 5, 2025
He described Peshmerga as "a resistance force of the Kurdish people" and "a symbol of continuous, multi-generational struggle for dignity, freedom, and the right to live in peace."
He also referenced the history full of sacrifices by the Peshmerga, from the wars against Saddam Hussein's regime and the crimes of Anfal and chemical attacks on villages, as well as their unprecedented resistance against ISIS.
Goujon particularly praised the role of female Peshmerga who fought alongside men in the trenches of war, as was seen in the Battle of Kobani.
Goujon reiterated that naming this street is a tribute to the sacrifices of the Peshmerga given for the protection of freedom and peace, just as French soldiers have also made sacrifices.
"The values that the Peshmerga fight for - freedom, dignity, tolerance - these are our values too."
Meanwhile, Salman Farman, a wounded Peshmerga fighter from the war against ISIS who lost both legs, an arm, an eye and an ear, and who received a medal of honor from President Masoud Barzani during the ceremony, told Rudaw that he was very happy that an alley has been named after Peshmerga.
"France has recorded a history for the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces that we are all proud of. This history will remain for future generations and is also a consolation for all the families of martyrs," he said.
Il y aura désormais une allée des Peshmergas à Paris : reconnaissance éternelle de la France à ses frères d’armes kurdes dans le combat contre Daech. Avec Massoud Barzani, leur chef historique, nous avons évoqué le renforcement des liens entre la France, l’Irak et le Kurdistan,… pic.twitter.com/w85VqJanPi
— Jean-Noël Barrot (@jnbarrot) September 5, 2025
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said he discussed strengthening France–Kurdistan relations with President Masoud Barzani during their meeting in Paris.
He added that naming an alley after the Peshmerga in Paris symbolizes “France’s eternal recognition of its Kurdish brothers-in-arms in the fight against Daesh [ISIS].”
President Masoud Barzani gifts Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo with some Kurdish honey ahead of the inauguration of Peshmerga Alley in Paris on Friday. pic.twitter.com/JmCfkAzbii
— Rudaw English (@RudawEnglish) September 5, 2025
