Najmadin Shukr Rauf

Who was Najmadin Shukr Rauf?

Najmadin Shukr Rauf or Mama Risha, was a prominent member of the Peshmerga, in northern Iraq during the Kurdish prolonged warfare with the Iraqi Government armed forces in their struggle for self-ruled northern Iraq.

Born in village of Talaban near Kirkuk into a poor family, he enjoys near mythical status in Kurdish society. According to some Kurdish sources he chose that nickname because he swore that he would never shave his beard until Kurdistan was totally free from Ba'ath Party's control. He was also nicknamed the "Iron Man" for his furious and well organized battles and ambushes against the Iraqi forces near the Kirkuk area.

In mid 1970s, he joined the Peshmerga forces of Patriotic Union of Kurdistan led by Jalal Talabani. He is considered by most Kurds as a role model and a legendary fighter. Najmadin was killed on January 25, 1985 in an ambush.