Iraqi Kurdish writer Dr. Kamal Ghambar dies at 87

Iraqi Kurdish writer Dr. Kamal Ghambar died at 87 — A prominent Iraqi Kurdish literary writer and critic Dr. Kamal Ghambar dies at 87 on December 30, 2024. Photo: SM

ERBIL, Iraqi Kurdistan region,—Dr. Kamal Ghamabar, a celebrated Kurdish writer, translator, and literary critic, has died on Monday at the age of 87, the Kurdistan Writers Union announced. He passed away in Erbil following a prolonged illness, according to the union’s Erbil branch.

“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of the esteemed Kurdish writer, Professor Kamal Ghamabar,” the statement read.

Born in 1937 in Koya, Ghamabar was widely regarded as one of the foremost critics in Kurdish literature.

He authored 10 books and numerous articles, offering literary critiques in both Kurdish and Arabic. His career in critique began in the late 1950s, with his first Arabic piece published in Al-Thaqafa magazine in 1973, analyzing the works of renowned poet Abdullah Pashew.

Ghamabar’s contributions extended beyond literature. He served as a teacher for over 40 years, initially working in schools across southern Iraq before moving to Erbil, where he taught in secondary schools and the Teachers Training Institute. In 2006, he was appointed an educational advisor to the Council of Ministers.

The late writer completed his primary education in Koya, graduated from Erbil’s intermediate schools in 1957, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Arabic Language and Literature from the University of Baghdad in 1964.

Ghamabar was also a member of the editorial team for Asoy Parwardayi magazine, and his first publication appeared in Galawêzh magazine in 1950. He was a long-serving member of the management committee of the Kurdistan Writers Union’s Erbil branch.

He will be laid to rest at Kakoon Cemetery in Koya, where many prominent Kurdish literary figures, including the poet Dildar, are also buried. A funeral ceremony is scheduled for noon on Monday.

Kurdish cultural officials expressed their condolences, highlighting his lifelong dedication to literature, education, and Kurdish heritage.

Ghamabar is survived by his wife, Zina Zaher, whom he married in 1967, as well as their five sons and one daughter.