SULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region – Sulaimani city unveiled a statue of the city’s founder, Ibrahim Pasha, looking over the central Sera Square. 

A Kurdish prince, Ibrahim Pasha founded the city on November 14, 1784. 

The second largest city in the Kurdistan Region, Sulaimani is surrounded by mountains, lying at the feet of mounts Azmar, Goije, Qaiwan, and Baranan.

It is home to some of Kurdistan’s most acclaimed poets and writers, such as Nali, Salim, and Piramerd. The main street that splits the city is named after the poet Salim.

Many civil movements and opposition parties have emerged in the city.

With a reputation as a city of enlightenment, Sulaimani is officially recognized by the KRG as the ‘Capital of Culture.’

The statue was built by artist Kamaran Omar and sponsored by Hero Ibrahim Ahmad, widow of the late PUK leader Jalal Talabani.