The Kurds

The Kurds are an ethnic group indigenous to a mountainous region historically known as Kurdistan, which spans parts of modern-day Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Syria, and small areas of Armenia.

They number roughly 30–40 million people, making them one of the largest stateless nations in the world.

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1. Origins and Identity

Ethnic roots: Primarily Indo-Iranian, with linguistic ties to the Iranian branch of the Indo-European language family.

Language: Several dialects, the main ones being Kurmanji (northern) and Sorani (central), plus Zazaki and others.

Religion: Predominantly Sunni Muslim (Shafi‘i school), with minorities of Shia Muslims, Yazidis, Christians, and others.

Homeland: “Kurdistan” is a cultural-geographic term rather than a recognized state; it includes highland areas across the Zagros and Taurus mountain ranges.

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2. Historical Background

Ancient references: Possibly linked to the Medes of ancient Persia, though the connection is debated.

Ottoman and Persian Empires: For centuries, Kurdish principalities enjoyed varying degrees of autonomy under these empires.

• Post–World War I:

The Treaty of Sèvres (1920) promised a potential Kurdish state.

The Treaty of Lausanne (1923) dropped this provision, dividing Kurdish regions among Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Iran.

20th century struggles: Repeated uprisings in each country were often met with suppression.

3. Kurds in Different States

Country Population estimate Political status

Turkey ~15–20 million No recognized autonomy; Kurdish language/culture historically suppressed; PKK insurgency since 1984.

Iraq ~5–7 million Autonomous Kurdistan Region (Erbil-based government, Peshmerga forces).

Iran ~6–8 million No autonomy; Kurdish parties (e.g., PJAK) active; periodic unrest.

Syria ~2–3 million Rojava (Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria) de facto self-rule since Syrian civil war.

Diaspora ~1–2 million Significant communities in Europe (Germany, Sweden, UK), and North America.

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4. Modern Political Movements

Iraqi Kurdistan: Established self-government after 1991 Gulf War; recognized autonomy in 2005 Iraqi constitution.

Syrian Kurds (Rojava): Gained control during the Syrian civil war; follow a model of local governance inspired by Abdullah Öcalan’s democratic confederalism.

PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party): Armed movement in Turkey since 1978, initially Marxist-Leninist, now advocating autonomy; designated terrorist organization by Turkey, US, EU.

KDP & PUK: Main political parties in Iraqi Kurdistan, sometimes rivals.

Kurdish independence referendum (2017): Held in Iraqi Kurdistan; overwhelming “yes” vote, but not recognized internationally.

5. Challenges

Statelessness: No unified international recognition of Kurdish sovereignty.

Geopolitical opposition: Neighboring states oppose Kurdish independence to prevent separatism within their own borders.

Internal divisions: Political factionalism (KDP vs. PUK, PKK vs. KDP).

Conflict zones: Kurds have been central in fighting ISIS but remain vulnerable to attacks from state and non-state actors.

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6. Cultural Aspects

Music & dance: Traditional govend or halay circle dances.

Newroz: Kurdish New Year (March 21), symbolizing resistance and renewal.

Dress: Distinctive regional clothing with colorful sashes and patterned fabrics.

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