Jalal Talabani

Date of Birth: November 12, 1933

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: October 3, 2017

Biography

Jalal Talabani was a prominent Kurdish politician and statesman who played a crucial role in the political landscape of Iraq. Born on November 12, 1933, in Kelkan, located in the north of Iraq, Talabani was deeply involved in Kurdish nationalist movements from a young age. He joined the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and quickly rose through its ranks. Talabani co-founded the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in 1975, an organization that became a key player in Kurdish and Iraqi politics. After the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003, Talabani emerged as a significant figure in the new Iraqi political scene. In 2005, he made history by becoming the first non-Arab President of Iraq, a position he held until 2014. Talabani’s presidency was marked by efforts to unite the diverse ethnic and religious groups in Iraq and to rebuild the war-torn nation. He was widely respected for his diplomatic skills and his commitment to peace and stability in the region. Talabani’s health began to decline in the early 2010s, leading to a stroke in 2012 that significantly affected his ability to perform his duties. He spent time in Germany for medical treatment before eventually returning to Iraq. Jalal Talabani passed away on October 3, 2017, in Berlin, Germany.

5 Interesting Facts about Jalal Talabani

1. Jalal Talabani was the first non-Arab president of Iraq.

2. He co-founded the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in 1975.

3. Talabani was fluent in multiple languages, including Kurdish, Arabic, Persian, and English.

4. He played a crucial role in the drafting of the new Iraqi constitution after the fall of Saddam Hussein.

5. Talabani was affectionately known as “Mam Jalal” (Uncle Jalal) by many Kurds and Iraqis.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jalal Talabani

1. “We want democracy in Iraq, but not necessarily the same type of democracy that you have in the United States.”

2. “We are not anti-American; we are anti-occupation.”

3. “Kurdistan is a part of Iraq, but it is a different Iraq.”

4. “Our main objective is to establish a federal democratic system in Iraq.”

5. “The path to freedom is a difficult one, but it is the only way.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Jalal Talabani’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Jalal Talabani had two sons, Qubad Talabani and Bafel Talabani. Qubad Talabani has served in various political roles, including as the Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government. Bafel Talabani is also active in Kurdish politics and has held leadership positions within the PUK.