Mama Risha

Mama Risha (1957 - January 25, 1985 ), was a prominent member of the armed Kurdish fighters, also known as (peshmarga), 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. His real name was Najmadin Shukur Rauf , nicknamed Mama Risha which in Kurdish means the (Bearded Uncle). 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 legendary furious and well organized battles and ambushes against the Iraqi forces near Kirkuk area.

In mid 1970s, he joined the peshmarga forces of Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) led by Jalal Talabani. He is considered by most Kurds as a role model and a legendary fighter. Mama Risha was killed in January 25, 1985 in an ambush organized by Tahsin Shawais who was the leader of a group of Kurdish fighters affiliated with Saddam Hussein's regime (Jash).

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