A French publishing house is set to release a new book by a Kurdish author titled “The Rise of Political Islam in Iraqi Kurdistan (1980–2019).”
The author states that the work is based on political programs, official documents, and the resolutions of Islamic parties, with plans to translate the book into Kurdish and English in the near future.
Today, July 24, 2026, Dr. Baban Elyasi, an alternate member of the Executive Committee of the Kurdistani Diaspora Confederation (KDC) and the author of the book, announced to the official KDC website that the book will be published in French by the renowned French publishing house L’Harmattan.
It is scheduled to be available to readers in early September 2026.
Through historical, sociological, and political analysis, the author examines the factors behind the emergence and development of Islamic movements, their relationships with Kurdish political forces, and their impact on the political landscape of the region.
Dr. Baban explained that the book is built upon documented evidence and scientific sources.
It relies on political platforms, official records, and the internal resolutions of Islamic parties.
Furthermore, the research incorporates field interviews with dozens of individuals, including leaders of Islamic parties, experts in political Islam, rank-and-file members of these parties, and civil society activists, alongside various official documents and archives.
As he noted, the book extends beyond the borders of the Kurdistan Region; it represents an academic contribution to understanding the complex relationship between religion, power, and society in the contemporary Middle East.
Dr. Baban further indicated that following the French publication, he intends to release the book in both Kurdish and English.
“The Kurdish edition is essential for Kurdish readers and libraries in Kurdistan,” he stated.
“The English edition is aimed at allowing non-Kurdish researchers and readers to gain a deeper understanding of the political complexities within the Kurdistan Region, specifically regarding the phenomenon of political Islam and how secular parties engage with this movement.”