Asenath_Barzani

A Kurdish-Jewish educator who established the first modern girls' schools in Iraqi Kurdistan despite religious opposition

Asenath Barzani (1890-1975) was a visionary educator from Iraqi Kurdistan who defied cultural norms to establish girls' education in the early 20th century. Descended from a prominent rabbinical family, she opened the first girls' school in Zakho in 1919, teaching literacy and mathematics to over 300 students annually. Her 1923 educational manifesto argued for women's right to education, drawing criticism from conservative religious leaders but support from progressive Kurdish intellectuals.

Barzani developed a unique pedagogical approach combining religious studies with secular subjects, creating textbooks in Aramaic and Kurdish. She founded the Women's Educational Society in 1935, which operated 12 schools across Kurdistan by 1950. Her work laid the foundation for modern female education in the region, with UNESCO later recognizing her contributions in their 2015 report on gender equality.

Despite facing death threats from extremists, she continued her work until her death. The Asenath Barzani Prize for Educational Innovation, established in 2005, honors her legacy. Her memoir My Life for Education (1968) provides invaluable insights into early 20th century Kurdish-Jewish community dynamics.