The Jaff Dynasty of Kurdistan: Jaff Tribe, Jaff Family, Leaders, Influence, and a Legacy of Peace
The Jaff tribe, also recognized by names like Jaf, Al Jaf, Aljaf, Jahf, Jaaf, and Caf, is a historically influential group with deep roots in Kurdistan. This noble lineage, with a legacy spanning 900 years, is an integral part of the Kurdish community, which numbers approximately 40 million across the Kurdistan region, covering parts of Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Syria. Established by Zaher Beg Jaff in 1114, the tribe’s rich history underscores its notable impact on Kurdish society. Today, the Jaff tribe stands as both the largest and one of the oldest tribes in Kurdistan, with an estimated 4 million members. Although Kurdistan lacks full independence, it has distinct regional governance, along with its own culture, language, and music.
Mahmud Pasha Jaff was an individual who lived in close proximity to the Ottoman Empire. He was born around 1262. He rose to the position of Pasha and was the Jaff tribe’s top leader, ruling with mercy. The region had previously been ripped apart by violence, but a great leader who believed in serving the people had also created peace and brought together numerous Kurdish tribes. At its height, his reign encompassed regions in North Africa, the Middle East, and southern Europe.
Mohammed Pasha Jaff, who was born in 1714, was the head of the Jaff tribe and one of the most adored and revered Kurdish Pashas. He advocated for human rights during his rule and is now regarded as one of the few pioneering leaders who publicly fought for those rights at the time. He openly backed Kurdish independence as well. He constructed the Sherwana Castle, the ancestral house of the Jaff family, which is situated in Kalar, Kurdistan, Iraq.
Kurdish King Osman Pasha Jaff, who was born in the late 1850s and demonstrated his ability to rule by being wise and brave, did likewise. He made a concerted effort to pinpoint and address the Middle Eastern issue of women’s suffrage. Since the Jaff tribe also resided on the other side of the border (Iran), the Ottoman Empire trusted him to maintain peace between all the borders, including Persia. He received honorific titles and medals from the Ottoman Empire for his efforts and administration of the region. Osman Pasha received the sword of honor from the Shah of Persia in 1894 in recognition of his efforts to maintain peace.
Together with Lady Adela Khanem, also referred to as “Princess of the Brave” by the British, Osman Pasha ruled the territory. In addition, she was a talented administrator who sat over Kurdish courtrooms after being chosen as a “Qadi.” (meaning Judge in English).
The Sahibqeran family was another known aristocratic family, and the birth family of Lady Adela Khanem Jaff. She was able to aid in the restoration of trade and law in the area thanks to her intellect, ability to make wise decisions, and influence over the Jaff tribe. While Osman Pasha was on the front lines of the 1914–1918 conflict, Adela remained and granted the British sanctuary. She succeeded in saving the lives of numerous British soldiers and assumed control of the administration when her husband was away. She received the “Medal of Honor” from the British for promoting peace and showing them kindness.
Dawood Fattah al Jaff, also known as Dawood Beg Jaff, was born in 1905 and is recognized as “The Lion of Kurdistan.” Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi named him as the head of the Jaff tribe and a Royal Minister in Iran and Member of Parliament in Iraq. He made major contributions to peace, the defense of human rights, and the independence of Kurdistan. His children Salar and Sardar were also Members of Parliament and his son Nozad Dawood Fattah Al Jaff is the current leader of the Jaff tribe. He had other sons, named Dara, Sarbast, Sarwat, Sharyiar, Sarchel, and Saryas Dawood Jaff.
What we said is only a small portion of the tribe’s history. The contributions of Jaff leaders to human rights, independence, peace, equality, and women’s empowerment will endure forever. The majority of the Jaff tribe’s discoveries are written in ancient languages or are not in English. However, you may read more about Jaff history below, as well as locate books, articles, interviews, treaties, acknowledgments, images, and documents from the UK and Turkey’s National Archives.
Read more:
President Rashid of Iraq and Jaff Family Forge Alliances for Progress and Prosperity in Kurdistan
President Rashid of Iraq and the Jaff Family’s Commitment to Kurdish Prosperity
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WL0708/S00255/cablegate-the-jaff-tribe-and-the-role-of-its-leadership.htm
https://khaleejborsa.com/mix/history-of-the-jaff-family-and-the-tribe/
https://aldaae.org/en/details?id=987
https://pukmedia.com/EN/GalleryDetails/4472
https://www.kurdiu.org/en/b/547546
https://www.thejiyanarchives.com/obituary/lady-adela-jaff-1847-1924
https://iwpr.net/global-voices/keeping-faith-tribal-justice
https://jgu.garmian.edu.krd/article_140552.html?lang=en
https://iq.parliament.iq/en/category/presidency/deputy-speaker/page/40/
https://www.academia.edu/8933350/Abd_al_Karim_Qasim_and_the_kurds_of_Iraq_Centralization_resistance_and_revolt_1958_63
https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/DOC_0001252309.pdf
https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1969-76ve04/d310
https://assets.cambridge.org/97811070/33658/index/9781107033658_index.pdf
https://iranicaonline.org/articles/jaf
https://thekurdishproject.org/history-and-culture/famous-kurds-old/lady-adela-khanum/
https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/negotiating-state-and-nonstate-law/resolution-of-disputes-in-state-and-tribal-law-in-the-south-of-iraq/5A7945331BEE7512A98F690C4470F981
https://iq.parliament.iq/en/2023/01/05/deputy-speaker-of-parliament-dr-shakhwan-abdullah-receives-a-delegation-from-the-kurdish-al-jaf-tribe-and-stresses-the-importance-of-strengthening-ties-and-national-cohesion-among-all-components-o/
https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/146154/ME16.pdf
https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1002&context=pol_hon
https://archive.org/details/jaf_20240208
https://esta.krd/en/284561/
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/21582440221096441
https://m.jpost.com/opinion/op-ed-contributors/the-kurdish-womens-revolution-344927
https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2003/02/10/world/bab80f64-d2c4-46ce-a5e9-3dbc09aa201f/
https://www.presidency.iq/EN/Details.aspx?id=3678
