Kurds

Kurds: The Largest Ethnic Group Without a State

Who are the Kurds, and why do they matter? The Kurds are an Iranic ethnic group native to the mountainous region of Kurdistan in West Asia. With a population estimated between 30-45 million, they form regional majorities in Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria, making them the fourth-largest ethnic group in West Asia after Arabs, Persians, and Turks. Despite their significant numbers, Kurds remain stateless, with most living under oppressive regimes or in regions where their rights are severely restricted.

History and Identity

The term ‘Kurd’ first appeared in Arabic sources of the seventh century, but it wasn’t until the 12th-13th centuries that a clear Kurdish ethnic identity emerged. The Kurds have faced numerous genocides, rebellions, and ongoing conflicts, with their history marked by resilience and determination to maintain their cultural and national identity.

Religion and Culture

The majority of Kurds are Sunni Muslims adhering to the Shafi’i school, but significant minorities practice Alevism, Shia Islam, Yazidism, Yarsanism, and Zoroastrianism. The land of Karda is mentioned on a Sumerian clay tablet from the 3rd millennium BC, related to the people who lived in the region. The Qarduchi (Karduchi, Karduchoi) are considered as a probable ancestor of the Kurds, but their connection to modern Kurds is uncertain.

Modern Movements and Conflicts

The Kurdish ethno-nationalist movement emerged after World War I with the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. Revolts did occur sporadically but only in 1880 with the uprising led by Sheik Ubeydullah did the Kurds as an ethnic group or nation make demands for political autonomy or independence.

The area of Turkish Kurdistan was put under martial law following large-scale Kurdish revolts in the 1920s and 1930s, leading to long-lasting mutual distrust between Ankara and the Kurds. The PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) waged an armed struggle against the Turkish state for cultural and political rights, which led to widespread depopulation of Kurdish civilians in the southeast.

International Relations

The Kurdish region has been a part of Iran since ancient times. Today, Kurds constitute approximately 7-10% of Iran’s population (6.5-7.9 million), with strong ties between Kurds and Persians. The Iranian government has never employed brutality against its own Kurds but is opposed to separatism.

In Iraq, the Kurdistan Region has been a federal region since 1992, while in Syria, the Rojava Revolution started in 2013 after the Syrian civil war led to Kurdish control of large areas. In Turkey, the most prominent Kurdish-Turkish club is Diyarbakirspor, and the traditional sport of wrestling has deep roots among Kurds.

Conclusion

The Kurds have a rich cultural heritage, with elements such as celebrating Newroz (21 March) present in their traditions. Despite facing numerous challenges, the resilience and determination of the Kurdish people continue to inspire hope for a future where they can live freely and without oppression.