On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, the President Jalal Talabani Foundation, under the auspices of Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Sabir, President of the foundation, hosted the fortieth commemoration ceremony of the martyrdom of Najmaddin Buk Kaya, also known as Najo, a renowned fighter, patriot, and colleague of President Mam Jalal.
During the ceremony, the Archive department of the President Jalal Talabani Foundation presented a poignant short film portraying the life and struggles of Najo. In another segment of the event, Halo Sherko Bekas delivered a special poem dedicated to Najmaddin Buk Kaya.
As the ceremony concluded, the esteemed writer Qadir Buk Kaya introduced the book titled "The Witnesses of Najo," written in Turkish, providing an in-depth exploration of Najmaddin Buk Kaya's life and journey. The fortieth commemoration ceremony of Najo's martyrdom was organized by the President Jalal Talabani Foundation in collaboration with Kurdistan People Television.
The President Jalal Talabani Foundation Speech in the Ceremony Read by Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Sabir
Dear Mr. Qadir Buk Kaya, Cousin of the Martyr Najo
Dear Dr. Namrud Buk Kaya, Nephew of the Martyr Najo
Esteemed officials, dedicated activists, and esteemed community leaders,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the President Jalal Talabani Foundation, it is my distinct honor to extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you gathered here today to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of the martyrdom of Najmaddin Buk Kaya, known affectionately as Salah within the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and Southern Kurdistan.
I first encountered the esteemed martyr, Najmaddin Buk Kaya, affectionately known as Najo, in 1977. He exemplified true politician and served as an unparalleled advocate for Kurdistan. During the brief time I spent with him in the Levant, I developed a profound admiration for his vision, which recognized Kurdistan as a unified homeland for a single nation. His dedication led him to initiate his struggle across the broader expanse of Kurdistan, encompassing its northern, western, and southern regions.
From his youth, Najo was immersed in the fervor of struggle and activism. In 1969, while still a university student, he co-founded the East Cultural Society, also known as (DADAQA), alongside twelve of his peers in Istanbul. In due course, he assumed leadership of the society, laying the groundwork for his lifelong commitment to the cause.
Before completing his university education, the esteemed martyr Salah found himself targeted by an arrest warrant issued on March 12, 1971, in the aftermath of the military coup in Turkey. In response, he departed the country and sought refuge in Czechoslovakia (Prague), eventually resettling in Sweden as a refugee.
In 1974, following a general amnesty decreed by the Bülent Ecevit government, the martyr Najo returned to Turkey, resuming his activism alongside the Turkish Kurdistan Democratic Party under the leadership of Dr. Shivan. Subsequently, he parted ways with the party, aligning himself with the newly established Patriotic Union of Kurdistan upon its formation. Upon his arrival in the Levant, he was introduced to President Mam Jalal.
Dedicating his entire life to supporting the PUK, the martyr Salah tirelessly facilitated logistical operations within Turkish territory, steadfast in his commitment to the cause.
The esteemed martyr Najo served as the guiding light for the initial contingent of the PUK under the leadership of the martyr Ibrahim Azo upon their return to the lands of Southern Kurdistan and the Badinan area. Renowned for his unwavering dedication and possessing the quintessential qualities of a remarkable leader, he fearlessly navigated through challenges, remaining steadfastly true to himself, his people, and the PUK.
The martyr Najo facilitated the safe passage of all PUK leaders and their contingents from the Levant to Southern Kurdistan, a testament to his pivotal role in the organization's operations. Among those transported were notable figures such as Mr. Nawshirwan, Mam Jalal, Hassan Khoshnaw, and others.
In his book, "From Danube Shore to Nawzang Valley," Mr. Nawshirwan expressed profound admiration for the martyr Salah, highlighting his integrity, bravery, insightfulness, and humility, underscoring the significant impact of his contributions to the Kurdish cause.
During his time in Nawzang and Tuzhalla, Najo captured tens of color photographs depicting the leaders and Peshmergas of the burgeoning revolution. His images became cherished memories and an integral part of the new revolution's archive, akin to the pioneering work of Mrs. Hero, who was celebrated as a champion among mountain women and played a distinctive role in compiling the revolutionary archive of our people through her camera lens.
Our nation, our valiant fighters, and the PUK are indebted to this seasoned and courageous warrior, whose dedication has endowed our new revolution, guided by the esteemed Mam Jalal, with a rich archive for both present and future generations to explore as a vital source of research and historical documentation of our people's struggle.
Tragically, the martyr Salah was unjustly arrested by the Turkish regime and subsequently perished in prison under the false pretense of an alleged prison fire. Had the martyr Najo been spared, I believe he would have emerged as a formidable leader of our nation in Northern Kurdistan, safeguarding and advancing our people's aspirations with unwavering determination.
May peace eternally embrace his noble spirit, along with all the martyrs who have traversed the path of liberation for Kurdistan.