Statue of 13th-century Kurdish poet Arkevezi unveiled in Iran's Ilam

ILAM, Iran — A statue honoring Gholamreza Khan Arkevezi, a 13th-century Kurdish poet and Sufi figure, was unveiled in the city of Ilam in Iran's Ilam Province, the state-run IRNA news agency reported. The sculpture was designed and carved by artist Vahid Asedi. The project was carried out jointly by the "Zanist Zagros" Cultural Institute, local writers, the municipality and the city council. The institute described the initiative as a foundational step toward preserving Kurdish literary and linguistic identity in southern Kurdistan. Arkevezi is known for being appointed chief of the Arkevezi tribe by Ilam Governor Hassan Khan, and his poetry is noted for combining tribal leadership with Sufi depth. His works, written in Gorani Kurdish, are regarded as a living document reflecting the antiquity of the language, despite textual alterations in older manuscripts. His main works include the 24-section "Munajat," the elegy "Baviyal" written for his son Ahmed Khan, "Hariyev" composed during years of exile, and various ghazals. His literary legacy has been the subject of academic study by researchers including Mohammad Ali Sultani, Ismail Tatari, Esfandiar Gaznafari Emrai, Safi al-Din Burkei and Zahir Sarai.