US Forbidden Zone 51, PDK’s Sari Rash, and PUK’s Dabashan

By: Razhan Ahmed

Kurdish Activist 

There is a restricted area in the United States known as Area 51 in Nevada, which is so heavily monitored that even the smallest creature cannot cross its boundaries. The activities within this area remain shrouded in mystery. Some believe it serves as a hub for developing the most advanced U.S. military technologies and weapons, while others speculate that it houses extraterrestrial beings.

Similarly, there are restricted zones in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq that bear striking resemblance to the secrecy and exclusivity of Area 51—namely, the PDK-controlled Sari Rash and the PUK-controlled Dabashan.

Once a vibrant tourist destination in the 1980s, Sari Rash, also known as Blackhead or Sari Blind (High Head), has transformed into a stronghold of power for the Barzani family. Spanning 3,000 acres (7.5 million square meters), the value of this land has skyrocketed, with each square meter worth $1,000 today. Originally owned by the Ministry of Tourism, this prime land, which was meant to be enjoyed by the public, has been seized by the Barzani family, registering it as their private domain. But the Barzanis’ grip extends far beyond Sari Rash. Over 20 neighboring villages have been stripped of their land, with villagers forbidden from farming or using the land for any purpose. What was once a symbol of community and prosperity has become a no-go zone, tightly controlled by the ruling elite.

Sari Rash is no longer just a home for the Barzanis—it is a fortress. Inside this secluded enclave, luxurious amenities like swimming pools exist alongside something far more sinister: solitary confinement cells, reportedly used to punish those who defy the Barzanis or disobey their commands. This once peaceful landscape now stands as a chilling monument to the family’s power, where silence is imposed by fear and dissent is buried under wealth and oppression.

The PDK’s Sari Rash, an area associated with the Barzani family, is so tightly secured that access is prohibited even from several kilometers away. Not even high-ranking officials, members of parliament, or ministers are permitted to approach the area. Reports suggest that the Barzani family has effectively claimed ownership of Sari Rash, making it untouchable and off-limits to others. Sources indicate that Sari Rash is a key security zone for the Barzani family and may even contain a secret prison.

Similarly, the PUK’s Dabashan, controlled by the Talabani family, is another highly restricted area. Perched at the highest point in Sulaimani, Dabashan, the palace of the Talabani family, has come to symbolize the unchecked power and privilege of Kurdistan’s ruling elite. Once a public space covering over 1,000 acres (2.5 million square meters), Dabashan has been seized by the Talabanis, with the price of each square meter soaring to over $1,000, making the total value of the estate a staggering $2.5 billion. Through legal maneuvers, the family changed the land’s designation, registering it in their own names, a move that stripped the people of Sulaimani of what was once a beloved public area. Before the takeover, this location was open to citizens year-round, serving as both a tourist attraction and agricultural site. This land grab highlights the absurdity and audacity of both ruling parties in Kurdistan, whose grip on power extends from politics to the very soil beneath their feet. The joke of their unchallenged control over land and resources seems never-ending, with the people paying the price

Dabashan is located strategically near Sulaimani and the Goyzha Mountain It is surrounded by fences and guarded by special forces. Access is strictly prohibited without authorization. The area houses the grave of former Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and serves as the operational center for the PUK and a sanctuary for Talabani family members. Allegations have also surfaced suggesting the existence of a secret prison within Dabashan, mirroring suspicions about Sari Rash. Critics argue that the appropriation of such large areas for personal and political purposes effectively amounts to the occupation of public land.

Thus, while Area 51 may be known for its association with advanced technology and extraterrestrial theories, the true purpose of Sari Rash and Dabashan remains an enigma. The question arises: if Area 51 is for the development of weapons and technology, what are Sari Rash and Dabashan for? The answer, it seems, and remains just as elusive!