In Sulaimani, the Sarchnar resort transforms every autumn into a vivid cultural experience. The park becomes a living canvas, linking generations and inspiring local artists. Its beauty echoes the legacy of poet Mamosta Mohammad Omar Osman, known as the “General of Autumn.”
“I am the general of autumn… the general of thousands of naked trees and billions of fallen leaves,” Osman once wrote. His words now seem to move through the rustling Sarchnar leaves, capturing the melancholic charm of the season. Here, poetry becomes tangible, and autumn turns into both a personal and collective reflection.
With the first cool breezes, Sarchnar changes dramatically. Summer greens yield to yellows, reds, and oranges. Leaves drift gently to the ground, forming natural mosaics that crunch underfoot. The display attracts visitors from afar and locals who return each year to witness the familiar, yet ever-changing, spectacle.
Sarchnar’s connection to autumn is steeped in history. Established alongside Sulaimani’s founding, it served as a retreat for the Baban Emirate’s leaders, offering rest and reflection. Residents—especially the elderly—visit to reconnect with memories of youth, finding their lives mirrored in the falling leaves.
Local painter Mohammed Fattah describes autumn as a season of inspiration rather than decay. “Leaves fall, but they do not die; they give life to new creation,” he explains. For poets, writers, and painters, autumn ignites creativity and fosters reflection, continuing a tradition embraced by Kurdish artists for generations.
The late Mamosta Mohammad Omar Osman, born in Sulaimani, personified this bond between autumn and art. His verses portrayed sorrow, memory, and renewal. His final wish—to have his coffin adorned with autumn leaves—symbolized a life intertwined with the season he cherished.
Sarchnar today is more than a park. It embodies Sulaimani’s soul, where history, personal memory, and artistic spirit converge. Autumn here is a cycle of remembrance, a living tribute to Osman, and a timeless celebration of life, nature, and cultural heritage.