The Daughter of Kurdland

This is the newest edition of Widad's memoir:

This was the first edition of Widad's memoir:

"A very impressive personal account of the atrocities and repression of the Ba'thist regime in Iraq against the Kurds. Taking her courageous and open opposition against the Ba'th regime into account it is a miracle that Dr Widad Akreyi survived. Highly recommendable reading."
~ His Excellency Nikolaos van Dam, former Ambassador of the Netherlands to Iraq, Egypt, Turkey, Germany, Azerbaijan and Indonesia (1988-2010) and Special Envoy for Syria, Netherlands

"Akreyi's daily efforts to save human lives has its roots in Iraq, but her voice for peace continues to travel around the world through her narrative autobiography. Her memoir was published in 2019, marking the 30th anniversary of the Anfal genocide and the 5th anniversary of the 2014 Yazidi genocide."
~  journalist Marta Bellingreri, Al-Monitor

"An uplifting, rich memoir that will inspire and build confidence in readers.... I know it takes guts of steel to write a memoir.... This is the closest any of us can get to realise the hardships Widad has experienced. She came out on the other side with her spirit and love for humanity intact. This book will cement Dr. Widad Akreyi's unparalleled legacy. If you are looking for a mindset shift, or simply want to look at your life with a new perspective, then look no further. This memoir is the book you should read."
~ Mr. Bob Dennis

"This is a truly important book and one of the most impactful and moving books I've ever read. Dr. Widad Akreyi, a human rights advocate, describes in unrelenting detail her journey as a Kurd and how her life's work was shaped by these horrific events.    

We see the phrase 'human rights violations' used almost capriciously in the media, but the reality of this unspeakable genocide: millions of people, uprooted, raped, assaulted, and killed over generations is acutely felt through her book. Her description of the atrocities and genicide spanning generations is emotionally harrowing, and I found myself literally shaking at some of the passages. Until you read this book, you have no idea of the vastness of these crimes against the Kurds and in truth, all humanity. One of the most powerful aspects of the book is the toll that Dr. Akreyi herself has paid, not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually. This is not just a story of triumph and redemption. She has certainly not escaped unscathed. The reader becomes immersed in her internal battles. The descriptions of her out of body experiences in order to escape the unrelenting horrors are surreally beautiful and tear inducing.

Unlike many 'feel-good stories' where the author triumphs, Dr. Widad is painfully honest about the physical and emotional toll that this experience has taken on her and so many others. Dr Akreyi's powerful book reminds us that we can never allow the plight of the Kurds to be a statistic! I can't recommend this book highly enough. I urge you to read it!"
~ Mr. Peter Manning Robinson, pianist and multiple Award-winning composer, USA

"A narrative treasure, a deep book, an extraordinary book. A life that adds value every day... an autobiography absolutely to read and meditate...  Living to affirm the basic rights of justice, freedom and independence is never an easy journey, and this book describes it to us in an honest and profound way with a fascinating and deep luminosity... The force of a consistent life... The strength and coherence of a life for the freedom of a people and for universal peace, brilliantly narrated... A magnificent heart that builds paths of peace every day... A brilliant narration of a story of universal value. Nothing has been easy in her life, but with great dedication she has become a symbol of a people and an example of peace and wisdom in the world... A deep world of freedom to be discovered in an autobiography of great literary beauty... In such an important moment, good readings make the difference. The Daughter of Kurdland is a great example of... an autobiography that goes beyond the simple illustration of a life and helps us understand what it means to lead a life of value... a book that is a profound human experience and that helps us a lot to understand the beauty of the battle for our ideas of freedom... A great message for all of us... much more than memories... An itinerary of life rich in coherence and luminosity even in the face of difficult obstacles and trials, an example for each of us... an important book, a living testimony of a Great woman who spends her life for a free and peaceful world, starting proudly from her cultural identity in defense of an ever-oppressed nationality."
~ Mr. Paolo Ignazio Marongiu, Italy

"Where to start... I could say so much about this book! This one was special to me, as in recent years the Kurdish struggle has become very close to my heart... I knew a little about the Kurds as a teenager, but not enough. I would come to know more about them when I began reading up on what has been going on in Syria. That was what started it. It wasn't long and these people captured my heart... In the states the Kurds have been forced to live in, they are not even allowed to speak their own language! She talks of Genocide committed against them in Iraq, I don't want to say too much here, to know you'll have to read the book, but the Genocides committed against the Kurds in Iraq are not the only ones. In Syria they are now under such a situation at the hands of Turkey, while the world has done very little to stop it!

They have been good allies to the US and western nations, and been stabbed in the back over and over again. Even with that being the case, they still have worked with us again and again. They were the ones that lost some of the most helping us fight the Islamic State, or IS. There is so much I could say here, but this is a review, so I have to limit it. However, if you want to know more about these people, this is such a good educational read! I would totally recommend it.

Before I close this review, I just want to say that I love Widad's spirit! She has been through so much, things I can't begin to imagine! And she still has so much love in her, she still fights for the rights of peoples all around the world! I've learned a lot reading this book! Thanks Widad for writing this book. I know it had to be hard to do so! But the world needs to know. I wish many people would read this book!"
~ Ms. Vicki Andrada

"Please, kindly, do read Dr. Widad Akreyi's The Daughter of Kurdland: A Life Dedicated to HumanKind and be moved, be moved to care, be moved to do personally, soulfully, as best you possibly can, individually and in sincere collaboration...
May in Presence, we synergise effectively for the greater joyful good of humankind, women, men, and children, boys and girls; together, far and near, fostering the culture of peace, enabling thriving communities of citizens in ecological harmony... "
~ Mr. Tex J. G. Albert, Canada

"The Daughter of Kurdland is a fascinating memoir, a poetic, philosophical work written in a style lucid and engaging. It is an honest account of Dr. Widad Akreyi's journey, packed with messages of hope, wisdom, passion and courage that will empower you to navigate life's twists and turns to reach your highest potential. Highly recommended, both for the quality of her prose and for the inspiring story of her life."
~ Ms. Elizabeth Jensen, United Kingdom