About Us

the Amargi

Freedom through independent journalism

About us

The Amargi is a grassroots-funded online media outlet established by a group of journalists, activists, and academics based in Europe. We are independent from any commercial and political influence and our donors support us because their democratic values align with our editorial policy. 

The Amargi’s spotlight is on Kurdistan, but we also focus on Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Iran, as well as the broader Middle East. In a region where undemocratic regimes, foreign intervention, and powerful corporations determine the political discourse and suppress self-determination, dissent, and diversity, we aspire to be a powerful voice of those rendered powerless and voiceless. “Amargi”, a Sumerian word, is regarded as the first known written word for “freedom”.

As hinted in its name, the Amargi’s core values are freedom, democracy, diversity, coexistence, equality, and social justice. We report professionally and investigate fearlessly, as we promote values to strengthen Middle Eastern society and bridge its peoples and communities. We stand with social and ethnic minorities and against sexism, racism, fascism, extremism, and all forms of discrimination and injustice. 

The Amargi is a project operated by Amargi e.V., a non-profit media organisation based in Leipzig, Germany. We promote cultural diversity, amplify marginalised voices, and support democratic principles, human rights, and environmental consciousness with a focus on the Middle East. Through independent journalism, media education, and cross-cultural dialogue, we foster inclusive platforms for critical reflection and knowledge exchange. With initiatives in Germany and beyond, Amargi e.V. connects communities locally and globally. We fight disinformation and empower youth, women, and minorities to meaningfully contribute to building a fair and pluralistic society.

If you want to support and help expand The Amargi by becoming a donor, please contact us at [email protected].

Our Mission

Value Proposition

We bridge information gaps through expert analysis, serving local audiences seeking reliable news and international readers interested in understanding MENA politics and Kurdish affairs.

Our Purpose

  • Political news content platform
  • MENA region news and analysis hub
  • Kurdish region coverage specialist

Our Approach

We deliver comprehensive analysis that helps readers understand complex regional dynamics with both depth and clarity, maintaining the sophistication needed to address complex political topics.

Our Authors

Amargi's team of writers, journalists, and experts bring diverse perspectives and deep insight to our coverage of news and events across the region.

Abbas Vali's photo

Abbas Vali

Prof. Abbas Vali is a Kurdish political theorist from Mahabad, Iran, and one of the foremost scholars on Kurdish identity and nationalism. He studied in Tehran and London, earning his PhD in Historical Sociology from the University of London, and later taught at Swansea University and Boğaziçi University in Istanbul. He was also the founding president of the University of Kurdistan in Hewlêr. His works include Essays on the Origins of Kurdish Nationalism and Kurds and the State in Iran: The Making of Kurdish Identity.

Bachtyar Ali's photo

Bachtyar Ali

Bachtyar Ali, a leading novelist, poet, and essayist, is celebrated as one of the most influential contemporary Kurdish authors. Best known internationally for The Last Pomegranate Tree, he has published over 40 works of fiction, poetry, and criticism, including 12 novels. His writings have been translated into numerous languages, from Arabic and Persian to German, Italian, and English. In 2017, he became the first author writing in a non-European language to win the prestigious Nelly Sachs Prize.

Rebaz Majeed's photo

Rebaz Majeed

Rebaz Majeed is a Kurdish journalist, researcher, and photographer based in Berlin whose work bridges conflict reporting, academic inquiry, and digital fact-checking. He has covered politics, migration, and security in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region for Voice of America, and later worked with Lead Stories as TikTok’s fact-checking partner for the MENA region, specializing in misinformation and digital verification. His research has explored gender, violence, and political dynamics in Iraq. A polyglot journalist, Rebaz holds a BA in International Studies from AUIS and an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies of the Middle East from Freie Universität Berlin.

Interested in Contributing?

Amargi welcomes submissions from talented writers and journalists with expertise in relevant fields. Join our growing team of authors and share your perspective.

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