ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdish scholar Dr. Rashed Miran told Rudaw on Wednesday that he was “surprised” to learn not only of his nomination but also of his winning the prestigious Pushkin Medal, an award named after renowned Russian poet Alexander Pushkin.
Miran was honored with the medal by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday during a ceremony in Moscow commemorating National Unity Day, becoming the first-ever Kurdish recipient of the award.
The Kurdish scholar delivered a speech at the event, expressing thanks to the Russian leader in his native Kurdish tongue.
“I was aware, but I was surprised to be nominated [to receive the presidential award]. I thank the Russian consul general in Erbil and the [Kurdistan] Region’s representative to Russia, Dr. Daner. They played a key role [in the nomination],” Miran told Rudaw on Thursday.
Red Square, Moscow’s central and most famous public space, is the same place Miran left 40 years ago when he returned to what is now the Kurdistan Region.
“The Russian consulate in Erbil, as usual, coordinates with the Kurdistan Regional Government’s representation office [in Moscow] and discusses the [nomination] matter. Someone from the Middle East and Iraq was to be nominated for the award. We recommended Dr. Rashed,” said Daner Abubakir from the KRG representation in Russia.
Miran told Rudaw he moved to Moscow in 1980, where he enrolled at the Moscow Institute of Oriental Studies and studied the Russian language. He later obtained a Master’s degree and a PhD in Moscow.
“We [his family] and all the Kurdish people are proud of him,” said Jivan Miran, the scholar’s wife. “We congratulate ourselves as well as all Kurds.”
The Pushkin Medal has been presented since 1999 to individuals who have made significant contributions to research, preservation, and promotion of Russian culture in the fields of culture, arts, and the humanities.
The Kurdish scholar, a sociology expert who has played a prominent role in Kurdistan’s political movement, referred in his speech to the “long-standing and strong relations” between Kurdistan and Russia, where he has long been a supporter and collaborator.
“Kurdistan and the Russian Federation enjoy long-standing and solid relations. From my side, I have always supported these relations and confirmed my participation in the friendship between both sides,” Miran said during his speech at the National Unity Day event.
It is worth-noting that Miran was active member in the Region's ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) in the 1970s.
