Talabani’s sons Bafel and Qubad Tabalani led the tributes, releasing statements on social media praising their father’s accomplishments and service to the Kurdish people.

Referring to him by his universal sobriquet, Bafel said on Instagram that for “the revolution and the movement of Peshmerga, ‘Mam Jalal’ was a great and high example of a revolutionary, careful, brave and strong leader.”

“In diplomatic struggle, the image of Mam Jalal is rare in the history of Kurdish Nationality [Kurdayati] and even in the liberation struggles of the nations of the region,” he added.

Bafel currently serves as co-president of the PUK, along with Lahur Sheikh Jangi, who is one of Talabani’s nephews.

Qubad, who serves as Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) deputy prime minister, posted a personal message to his father on Instagram, reflecting on his leadership.

“You were sure of your own approach and the nation trusted you,” he said, adding that he would emulate his father’s example of public service.

Born in 1933, Talabani became involved in the cause of Kurdish rights and autonomy early on in life. He first became involved with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) before splitting off and founding the PUK with several other intellectuals in 1975.

Following the US invasion, he became the first non-Arab Iraqi head of state in 2005, serving as president until 2014.

He suffered a debilitating stroke in December 2012, which effectively ended his active involvement in politics. He died in Germany on October 3, 2017.

The PUK Political Bureau released a statement on Saturday calling Talabani a “fighter who spent more than half a century of his life in the liberation and democratic struggle.”

Sheikh Jangi said on Instagram that the deceased leader is “always in our memory.”

Officials from the KDP and diplomats also offered tributes.

“We feel his absence and important role now more than ever,” Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani said in a tweet.

The US Consulate-General in Erbil tweeted its condolences on the anniversary, saying that “Talabani demonstrated persistence, braveness, wisdom, and inclusivity in leading Iraq through challenging and difficult times.”

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