Prime Minister Barzani receives Professor Rashad Miran after historic Pushkin Medal honor

Prime Minister Barzani receives Professor Rashad Miran after historic Pushkin Medal honor

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Thursday welcomed distinguished Kurdish sociologist Professor Rashad Miran, congratulating him on receiving Russia’s renowned Pushkin Medal, according to a statement from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

Professor Miran becomes first Kurd to earn prestigious Russian award

Prime Minister Barzani praised Miran’s academic accomplishments and said the award represents an important achievement for Kurdish intellectual and cultural life. The Pushkin Medal, one of Russia’s highest cultural distinctions, is awarded to individuals who make outstanding contributions to Russian literature, arts, and cultural studies. Established in 1999, it has never before been awarded to a Kurd.

Call for expanding cultural and educational cooperation

Professor Miran thanked the Prime Minister for his support and recognition, stressing the value of strengthening academic and cultural ties. During the award ceremony in Moscow, he spoke about the deep historical relations between Kurdistan and Russia and encouraged greater access to Russian-language resources to further develop scholarly collaboration.

Leaders across Kurdistan celebrate the achievement

Following the announcement, Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw also extended congratulations, describing Miran’s recognition as “a source of pride for all Kurdish people.” He noted that the award highlights the global presence and contributions of Kurdish scholars.