Sheikh Ubeydullah

Who is Sheikh Ubeydullah?

Sheikh Ubeydullah, also known as Sayyid Ubeydullah, was the leader of the first modern Kurdish nationalist struggle. Ubeydullah demanded recognition from Ottoman Empire and Qajar dynasty authorities for an independent Kurdish state, or Kurdistan, which he would govern without interference from Ottoman or Qajar authorities. He was a Sayyid, a descendant from Muhammad. He claimed descent from Abdul-Qadir Gilani.

Sheikh Ubeydullah was an influential landowner in the 19th century and a member of the powerful Kurdish Şemdinan family from Nehri. After his rebellion was suppressed, he was exiled first to Istanbul, then to Hijaz where he died.