Nalî (Nali)

Quick Facts

• Region: Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
• Born: c. 1800, Sulaymaniyah region
• Died: c. 1873, Istanbul
• Known for: Classical poetry in Central Kurdish (Sorani)

Overview

Nalî was a leading classical Kurdish poet and scholar who helped establish Central Kurdish as a literary language. His poetry is considered foundational for Sorani literature.

He combined refined language with themes of love, philosophy, and spiritual reflection, shaping a poetic style that influenced later generations.

Life and Work

Nalî studied in madrasas and traveled through the region, developing a literary voice grounded in classical forms. His poems circulate widely in Kurdish literary collections.

Legacy

He is remembered as a cornerstone of Sorani poetry and a symbol of Kurdistan’s classical literary heritage.