The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) was formed by a group of prominent Kurdish leaders, including Jalal Talabani, Nawshirwan Mustafa, and Fuad Masum, in the mid-20th century, a crucial period for Kurdish nationalism in Iraq. The PUK was established in the aftermath of increasing repression against the Kurdish population, as the Iraqi central government undertook measures to suppress Kurdish cultural and political rights. This environment of marginalization prompted various Kurdish leaders to unify and create a political framework dedicated to the pursuit of autonomy and rights for the Kurdish people.

The founding of the PUK aimed to consolidate the efforts of various factions within the Kurdish movement, which often operated independently and, at times, in conflict with each other. By creating a united front, the PUK sought to enhance its bargaining position both with the Iraqi government and among international actors. The organization emphasized the need for democratic reform and the promotion of Kurdish identity, intending to address both local and national grievances, particularly in the realms of cultural expression and political representation.

Notably, the PUK would evolve into a significant political player in Iraqi politics over the decades. The organization's founding laid the groundwork for later developments, including its role in the Kurdish uprising against Saddam Hussein in the late 20th century, and it stood as one of the pillars of the Kurdish Regional Government after the fall of Saddam's regime in 2003. As such, the PUK became a symbol of Kurdish resilience and became recognized internationally as a legitimate representative of Kurdish aspirations in Iraq and beyond.