To study linguistics at university and work to preserve and promote Kurdish language and culture, ensuring future generations could proudly embrace their heritage
Erfan Zamani was an 18-year-old Kurdish teenager from Mahabad, a city with a long history of resistance against oppression. Growing up in a region where Kurdish identity was systematically suppressed, he was acutely aware of the injustices faced by his people. Despite these challenges, he was a brilliant student who spoke Kurdish, Persian, and was learning English to connect with the wider world. When the Woman, Life, Freedom movement began with the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini, a fellow Kurd, he felt a personal responsibility to join the struggle.
Jin, Jiyan, Azadi - this is our time
His death intensified Kurdish participation in the nationwide uprising. Mahabad, his hometown, became a symbol of resistance with massive strikes and protests. The Kurdish slogan "Jin, Jiyan, Azadi" (Woman, Life, Freedom) that he championed became the rallying cry for the entire movement across Iran.
A 22-year-old Kurdish woman whose death in police custody after being arrested for "improper hijab" sparked the Woman, Life, Freedom revolution that shook the foundations of the Islamic Republic.
“I just want to go home”
A 16-year-old girl who disappeared during protests. Her last message was a video singing about freedom. Security forces killed her and hid her body, then forced her family to lie about her death.
“I will stay and fight for freedom”
A 16-year-old YouTuber who loved making videos and bringing joy to others. She was beaten to death by security forces during protests in Karaj. The regime forced her family to say she committed suicide.
“Life is beautiful when you are free”
Their Path Continues
The memory of our eternal names lives in our hearts and will continue until Iran is free
Woman, Life, Freedom