Local Kurdish residents highlight history, Nowruz and Halabja remembrance in Moorhead

Siham Mehdi, project lead with Creating Community Consulting, spoke to the Moorhead Human Rights Commission on March 18 about Kurdish heritage in Moorhead, the community’s history of resettlement and the significance of March observances including Nowruz and the Halabja remembrance.

Mehdi said a substantial Kurdish population has resettled in Moorhead in waves since the 1970s and 1990s, with additional arrivals tied to conflicts in Syria. She described Kurdish identity as transnational — spanning parts of Iraq, Turkey, Iran and Syria — and noted historic persecution, including mass killings and forced displacement under Saddam Hussein.

Mehdi explained that March holds multiple meanings for Kurds: March 16 commemorates the 1988 Halabja chemical attack and March 20 marks Nowruz, the spring celebration. She described the March observances as both remembrance and cultural celebration, and encouraged attendance at a “Home of Memories” exhibit at the local historical society that includes Kurdish stories and artifacts; she said the exhibit is free on Tuesdays and is scheduled to be on display through at least May or June.

Mehdi also detailed how Kurdish students and second- and third-generation residents now participate in school cultural events and in classes where Kurdish history and identity are being taught. She said local Kurdish community leaders — including longtime residents such as Hamid Al Mahdi — and recent resettled families contribute to an estimated share of about 8 percent of Moorhead’s population, a figure she characterized as approximate.

Mehdi noted community contributions in education and social services, and highlighted that many Kurdish women serve as school support staff and teachers. She said Moorhead’s city council issued a proclamation recognizing Kurdish heritage on March 10, read by Council Member McNew McDowell.

Commissioners asked about exhibit hours and whether the exhibit charges admission; Mehdi said the historical society charges in some circumstances but that Tuesday evenings are free and that special events will be scheduled for school visits.

Mehdi closed by inviting commissioners and residents to learn more about Kurdish culture and to view the museum exhibit and other community events.