Amar Khan Sharifi | |
|---|---|
 Amar Khan Shikak, 1929 | |
| Native name | عهمهر خان شەریفی |
| Birth name | Amar Mohammad Sharif Sharifi |
| Nicknames | The grand old man of Kurdistan byKermit Roosevelt |
| Born | 1873 Zindasht,West Azerbaijan, Iran |
| Died | 1958[1] Zindasht, West Azerbaijan, Iran |
| Allegiance |  Republic of Mahabad |
| Rank | Marshal[2] |
| Battles / wars | |
| Relations | Simko Shikak |
Amar Khan Sharifi (Kurdish:عهمهر خانی شەریفی,Kurdish pronunciation:[ʕæˈmærxaːˈniːʃæˈriːfi]; 1873 – 1958 inZindasht,West Azerbaijan, Iran), better known asAmar Khan Shikak (Kurdish:عەمەر خانی شکاک,romanized: Emer Xanî Şikak) was a prominentKurdish tribal leader from theShekak tribe.[3][4] He was the son of Mohammad Sharif Sharifi and played a significant role in the leadership of theKardar and Shekak tribes following his father's death.[5] Based on local accounts, Amar Khan was reported to beSimko's uncle, although others believed that he was Simko's cousin.[6]
During the early 20th century, the Shekak tribe gained influence under the leadership ofSimko Shikak, especially after receiving support from theRussian Empire. Amar Khan became Simko's chief aide among the Shekaks during this period.[7] After Simko's assassination, he assumed the leadership of the Shekak tribe.[5]
Amar Khan later aligned withQazi Muhammad and theRepublic of Mahabad.[8]
Amar Khan served as the paramount chieftain of the Shikak tribe and was a notable figure in Iranian Kurdistan. He reportedly made a strong impression on American observers, includingKermit Roosevelt, who described him as 'the grand old man of Kurdistan', andWilliam O. Douglas, who visited him after the fall of Mahabad.
Despite his high-ranking position within the Mahabad Republic, some historians have characterized his actions as opportunistic. He was appointed Minister of War and held the rank ofMarshal in the republic. In addition, he was a member of the central committee of theDemocratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan and a signatory of theAzerbaijani–Kurdish Treaty on April 23, 1946.[2] During his time in the Mahabad, he reportedly maintained communication withGeorge V. Allen, theAmerican ambassador to Iran.[9] Following the fall of Mahabad, it was through Allen's intervention that Amar Khan avoided execution byIranian government.[10]
Amar Khan was known for his military expertise and strategic skill.[11] His forces participated in multiple military operations under the Mahabad government. As the regime approached collapse, he withdrew his support and returned to his home inZindasht.[2][12]
