Kurds Research Articles

Evaluation of the Predictors of Breath Holding Spell (BHS) in Children under 5 Years of Iran: A Hospital-based Case-Control Study

Objective: Breath holding spell(BHS) is a sudden, reflexive, non-epileptic phenomenon that is common in infancy and early childhood. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of breath holding spell(BHS) in children under 5 in Iran. Methods: The study was case-control study(case, n=55; control, n=55). The cases were selected from children with BHS who had been referred to Mohammad Kermanshahi Hospital of Kermanshah, during 2019. Then, for each case, one control was selected among the children who referred to other wards of this hospital for reasons other than BHS.The data collection tool was a data collection form consisted of demographic, family, obstetric and biochemical characteristics. The biochemical parameters(such as serum calcium, magnesium, albumin, phosphorus and vitamin D levels) were measured by fully automatic autoanalyzer(Prestige 24i Tokyo-Boeki, Japan). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression model were used to data analysis by STATA 14. Results: The mean age of children for case and control groups were 22.85 ± 15.34 and 23.29 ± 16.91months, respectively. The numbers of boys were 32(58.20) and 29(52.70) for case and control groups; respectively. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that the calcium(OR=9.03; 95% CI: 2.51 – 32.48), household size(OR=0.19; 95% CI:0.04–0.90), paternal education(OR=0.48; 95% CI:0.24–0.97), and history of mental illness in family(OR=8.97; 95% CI: 1.15–69.72) were the most important predictors statistically of BHS in children under 5 years. Conclusion: Calcium, household size, paternal education and history of mental illness in family were the most important predictors of BHS in children under 5 years; however, studies with larger sample size are required.

Historians on John Gower. Edited by Stephen H. Rigby, with Siân Echard. Boydell & Brewer. 2019. xxiv + 556pp. £75.00.

Historians on John Gower. Edited by Stephen H. Rigby, with Siân Echard. Boydell & Brewer. 2019. xxiv + 556pp. £75.00.

Death of a neonate with suspected coronavirus disease 2019 born to a mother with coronavirus disease 2019 in Iran: a case report

IntroductionA novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, was first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The virus, known as COVID-19, is recognized as a potentially life-threatening disease by causing severe respiratory disease. Since this virus has not previously been detected in humans, there is a paucity of information regarding its effects on humans. In addition, only limited or no information exists about its impact during pregnancy.Case presentationIn the present case study, we report the death of a neonate born to a 32-year-old mother with coronavirus disease 2019 in Ilam, Iran, with Kurdish ethnicity. We report the infection and death of a neonate in Iran with a chest X-ray (CXR) marked abnormality 2 hours after birth demonstrating coronavirus disease 2019 disease. The neonate was born by elective cesarean section, the fetal health was assessed using fetal heart rate and a non-stress test before the birth, and there was no evidence of fetal distress. All the above-mentioned facts and radiographic abnormalities suggested that coronavirus disease 2019 is involved.ConclusionsIn this case study, we report the death of a neonate born to a mother with coronavirus disease 2019, 11 hours after birth. There is a paucity of data on the vertical transmission and the adverse maternal-fetal consequences of this disease, so vertical transmission from mother to child remains to be confirmed.

The issue of ethnic kurdish people in the middle east: history of origin and evolution

The issue of ethnic kurdish people in the middle east: history of origin and evolution

Predictors of multimorbidity among the Kurdish population living in the Northwest of Iran

BackgroundThere is limited information about the predictors of multimorbidity (MM) among ethnic minority older adults in Iran. This study aimed to examine the impact of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors on the prevalence of MM, among older Kurdish people living in the Northwest of Iran.MethodsThe current study was conducted in Bukan city located in West Azarbaijan province in the Northwest of Iran. The data for this study was based on the enrolment phase of a longitudinal study on ageing among the Kurdish population aged 50–94 yearswhich was designed according to the elderly component of the PERSIAN Cohort in Iran. Stratified random sampling was used to select people aged 50 + from eight health centres in Bukan from Oct 2017 to Dec 2018. Those who accepted the invitation and completed the baseline questionnaire were included in this study (N = 1493; Response rate 75%). A range of different factors,including sociodemographic and lifestyle factors as well as self-reported chronic conditions, was obtained by trained interviewers. MM was defined as “coexistence of two or more chronic conditions in the same person”. We included a list of 36 diseases/conditions in this analysis. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were performed to compare the prevalence of MM according to different factors.ResultsOver a third of the participants (36.6%) had ≥2chronic conditionsand 15.7% had≥3 chronic conditions. Hypertension, diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions, fatty liver, and heart diseases were common chronic conditions. In a fully adjusted logistic regression model, older age (ORadj = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.48–2.48), being female (ORadj = 1.49, 95%CI: 1.14–1.94), living without aspouse (ORadj = 1.81, 95%CI: 1.34–2.44), and inadequate consumption of fruit and vegetables (ORadj = 1.33, 95%CI: 1.06–1.67) were associated with the higher prevalence of MM.ConclusionThis study found that the prevalence of MM is relatively high among older Kurdishadults. Sociodemographic differences in the prevalence of MM might be of interest tothe health care system,and the prevalence of common chronic conditions in this study may highlight the need forlifestyle modifications in this community.

Archiving a Life's Work: An Interview with Ismail Khayat

Meriwan Abdullah interviews Kurdish artist Ismail Khayat about the importance of documenting the work of Kurdish artists and how art can express the stories and record the histories of the Kurdish people.

The Genocide Crime against Kurds in Iraq during the Al-Baath

The research deals with the genocide which is the most dangerous and greatest international crimes, which the Kurdish people in Iraq face it during Al –Baas regime and in particular during Saddam Hussein regim. These crimes and violations led to the killing and disappearance of hundreds of thousands of innocent Kurdish people. Therefore, we will focus on Kurdish genocide in Iraqi Kurdistan and we will discuss the responsibility and procedures of international community which is necessary to punish, limit and eliminate or at least reduce these crime.

Https://hmu.edu.krd/edjjournal/index.php/journal/article/view/79

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is assessment of the canal morphology of mandibular anterior teeth, the gender differences and between right and left side of them in adult Iraqi Kurdish people using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Subjects and methods: CBCT). Subjects and methods: A retro and prospective study of canal configuration of mandibular anterior teeth by CBCT of a total of 194 subjects 72 males (37.1%) and 122 females (62.9%). Mandible anterior teeth including six teeth for each of 388 central incisor, lateral incisor and canine were analyzed in the database. For classification of morphology of the root canal, Vertucci method was used. Results: There was a non-significant difference between genders. Percentage of more than one canal was 33.1% in central incisors, 33.1% in lateral incisors, and 9.2% in canines. The most common root canal morphology type in all mandibular anterior teeth was type I. Type III was the second most common type in mandibular incisors. Type V was the second most common type in mandibular canines. Conclusion: Canal configuration is subjected to racial and ethnic variations and studying it is important for dental practitioner to understand the variations in root canal morphology of anterior teeth in order to overcome problems when performing endodontic treatment. More studies are needed to further define morphological characteristics of roots of mandibular anterior teeth in Kurdish population.

Unravelling Histories of Displacement: The Protracted Refugeehood of Syrian Kurds in Istanbul

This paper critically engages with Turkey’s refugee governance by offering insight into the daily struggles, aspirations, and longings of Syrian Kurdish migrants living in the inner-city neighbourhood of Demirkapı, Istanbul. It aims to sketch a multifaceted Kurdish geography of displacements beyond nation-state borders and to show how social differences and hierarchies of class, gender, and ethnicity shape greatly the experiences of the groups living in the neighbourhood. The paper is based on an ethnographic field research that consists of first-hand observations, conversations, and 25 semi-structured in-depth interviews with Kurdish migrants. The emplaced, ethnographic research is particularly promising to understand the daily lives of migrants and their multi-layered history of displacement and migration within and across borders. This history, we underscore, is not a past history, but one that unfolds in the present, within the current social hierarchies and in the midst of the ongoing crises in Syria and Iraq that poignantly shape the feelings, expectations, and memories of the Kurdish people currently living in Demirkapı. Each life trajectory, that we briefly describe, involves a strenuous effort to establish a relatively stable and enriching life under the precarious conditions of ongoing crises and authoritarian neoliberal capitalism.

Impact of Corona Virus on The Life Status of Kurdish People Living in Kurdistan Region of Iraq

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is currently one of the most common causing concerns in the medical community. The aim of this study is to carry out the effect of coronavirus on life status among Kurdish people in Kurdistan region. An online form (questionnaire) was used to collect the data among the researchers’ social media users, especially Facebook as the main platform. 643 participated in the study and filled out the form; however, 510 forms were accepted in terms of a statistical point of view. All statistical computations are enhanced using statistical method (SPSS 21). The data was coded, tabulated, and presented in a descriptive form. The finding shows that the majority of gender respondents were female aged mostly between 15-25 years old, majority were employed, 92.7%, living in Sulaimani city, which was the highest rate among all locations. 50% of the participants identified that coronavirus was a threatening disease which was the highest. Followed by 22% who identified the disease as fatal. Social distancing and handwashing were the top choices for self-protection against the disease. Family Connection and Relaxation were the two positive aspects of the virus, however, communication with others and safety. Were the two negative aspects of the virus stated by the respondents. 26.1% of respondents were distracted themselves from stress by connecting with loved ones through social media followed by reading. There is a significant positive statistical correlation between (Corona Virus and life status) which is (0.846) and that the significant value is (0.000). This illustrates that only 71.6% of factors affect (life status) in (Corona Virus). As a way of conclusion, coronavirus has had a significant impact on the people’s life status.

The Kurds in Middle Eastern Politics: A Historical Survey

Despite never obtaining their own nation-state, the Kurdish people have struggled for their social, cultural and political rights for a century since the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. While they have much in common with other ethnic groups in the region, the Kurdish people have their own distinct cultural, historical and political identity. Stateless yet with a strong sense of national identity, the Kurds have constituted a source of both stability and instability in the Middle East. This paper presents a brief historical overview of the Kurds and their social, political and strategic positions in the region, especially in the four main countries in which they are situated, and considers current and future regional developments relating to the Kurdish question.

Iraqi-Kurds from Political Stability to Political Upheaval: 2005 - 2017

Following the change of Iraqi political system in 2005, Iraqi Kurdistan has been granted autonomous region within unified Iraq. Since then, Iraqi Kurds have sought to bring the old dream of independence into reality through political stability. Politically, it was the most stable period. However, these period of prosperity and stability have been dramatically changed into upheaval and crisis. KRG’s politically they are in disputes. The unilateral Kurdish referendum in September, 2017 has brought almost the Kurdish dream of independence into unthinkable by losing most the political privileges they have. While the referendum has encouraged Iraqi government to take action against the KRG, it cannot be alone accounted for the political the KRG is in now. The KRG was in deep crisis even before the referendum. Thus, the main purpose of this research is to answer the question, "What accounts for the KRG’s political upheaval?" How can we understand the political change? The study aims at achieving the following goals : First, understanding what has gone done in relations to state building in the Iraqi Kurdistan. Second, assessing the political system in IK by dealing with the administrative system, especially political parties to understand their relationship and the impact of this relation on the political system in IK. The objectives of the study are: The research attempts to clarify the political structure of IK. And what accounts for the dramatic change? The rationale of the research can be justified by numerous reasons . First, it is the desire of the Kurdish people to establish an independent democratic political system in the region where authoritarianism and dictatorship is a model of the political system. Secondly, the study is significant because of the on-going Kurdish issue in Iraq, Turkey, Iran and Syria. Methodology , the study will draw on the existing literature about the political system in countries to explain the political stability in IK. Therefore, the research will use the conceptual approach. The methodological approach used in this research is a qualitative argument, drawing on indication from policy literature and scholarly, non-governmental reports and governmental databases in order to gain a wide-ranging and accurate understanding of the research question which is what accounts for the political upheaval? Keywords : Iraq, Kurdistan, Political upheaval. DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/96-05 Publication date: April 30 th 2020

Stephen H. Rigby (ed.), with Siân Echard. Historians on John Gower

Stephen H. Rigby (ed.), with Siân Echard. Historians on John Gower

Philosophical interpretation to the history in Nosherwan Mustafa’s perspective

Noshrwan Mustafa Emin ( 1944 -2017), commonly known as Noshirwan Mustafa, was a prominent Kurdish political figure and Peshmerga commander. He played an important role in the political life of southern Kurdistan as a Peshmarga commander and political activist. Therefore, the majority of Kurdish people may know him as a politician rather than as an author or historian. Pondering upon Noshrwan Mustafa’s history related writings, indicates that his contributions in that area is as significant as his political career. This research deals with a side of Noshrwan Mustaf’s history writing style, which is " philosophical interpretation to the history in Noshrwan mustaf’s perspective". It appears that Noshrwan Mustafa was aware of the philosophical iterepretations. They could easily be noticed in his historical books. He, however, did not rely on only one philosophical school of thought to analyze historical events. He appears to have taken into account a plethora of philosophical views to analyze history.

Истоки курдского самоопределения в контексте обострения геополитической ситуации в Ближневосточном регионе

The research analyzes the causes of the Kurdish Question in the context of the geopolitical situation developed in the Middle East region. The author traces the origins of the Kurdish Question back to the 16th century. The research pays special attention to the political, military and cultural factors that determined the disunion of Kurdish people and controversies emerging in the Kurdish society throughout the history of the struggle against their oppressors. It is also examined how various political forces which were developing in the Kurdish society sought to resolve the problem of political self-determination of their people and what were the reasons for the failures. The author reveals the importance of these processes on an international scale emphasizing the inconsistency of the world powers’ policy regarding the application of the principle of self-determination in the context of Kurdish struggle for their recognition by the global community.

Silent Representation of Kurdish Identity in Cinema through "Sarmaşık (Ivy)"

All this – all the meanness and agony without endI sitting look out uponSee, hear and am silent.Walt Whitman, ‘I Sit and Look’(Genius, 2018). Kurdish people constitute a significant part of the Turkish society for ages with some cultural and linguistic differences. This article focuses on the symbolic representation of Kurds in Turkish cinema through a close reading of the movie Sarmaşık (Ivy) in order to reveal how and at what limits the movie touches upon different forms of verbal and sound control imposed over them. Mainstream media portrays Kurds speaking Turkish with a heavy and funny accent. This tradition has changed by independent movies and at least they become visible in different types of silence. As a movie, one of the themes Sarmaşık discusses is the silence of Kurds and the role of discrimination process again by using and recreating the concrete silence. On the other hand this movie reveals how this silence provoke anxiety of majority towards minority identities, especially towards Kurds in last decades. The movie also stimulates a very important reality that losing a useful and functional part of a society is a severe lost that most people are not even aware of, and that they notice it in fear and with sorrow only after losing it.

Historians on John Gower ed. by Stephen H. Rigby, Siân Echard

Historians on John Gower ed. by Stephen H. Rigby, Siân Echard

What and who prevent the Kurdish people from exercising their right to self-determination?

It will soon be 75 years since the United Nations Charter proclaimed the equal rights of peoples including their right to self-determination, as well as the obligations of countries — members to protect these rights collectively. In 1966, the International Covenants on Human Rights were signed and entered into force in 1976. So began with the confirmation of the right of peoples to self-determination and clarification of the content of this right. In subsequent decades, the UN and continental organizations have adopted hundreds of international agreements on certain as- pects of people’s rights (to choose a social system, study in native languages, to development and progress, etc.). However, many ethnic groups still cannot use their lawfully granted rights due to reasons which are beyond their control. The author of the article provides an explanation of the reasons preventing people from realizing the selfdetermination right recognized by the world community on the example of the Kurdish people. The theoretical and methodological aspects of the problem may be equally applicable to other peoples who, against their will, find themselves in multinational states.

The strategy for controlling COVID-19 in Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)/Iraq: Identification, epidemiology, transmission, treatment, and recovery

This study has carried out a mini-review on first wave of COVID-19 infection and its control by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)/Iraq. COVID-19 infection, which was named by the International Committee of Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) as SARS-CoV-2, is a newly identified coronavirus. The last century has seen the outbreak of numerous life-threatening human pathogens including Nipah, Ebola, Zika, Chikungunya, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), and more recently a novel coronavirus has been observed. COVID-19 infection has so far spread to more than 186 countries around the world and KRG/Iraq has not been free from this virus. In this survey, the control of COVID-19 infection in KRG as a part of Iraq is discussed in detail. The methods of identification as well as the drugs that are currently in common use to reduce the wide distribution of COVID-19 infection and their effects in countries around the world are considered. So far, 714 positive cases have been reported by the ministry of health in Kurdistan Region Government-Iraq (KRG), among which there have been only 8 deaths, and 420 cases have recovered. Those who died had a previous history of a chronic disease such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and hypercholesteremia. Alternative medicine based on natural green methods has been widely used by Kurdish people in past years for treatment of strong coughs. In the present study, some natural products which are cost free and effective in enhancing the body's resistance against the virus are considered. A surprising finding is that the patients in KRG have not in general had a severe cough, flu, or fever. The possible explanation may relate to the patients' strong immune systems, since none of them had a history of using alcohol and drugs, or of chronic disease. The epidemiology and transmission of the virus are discussed as well.

Assessment of the Students’ Mental Health in the University of Garmian Using the Kurdish General Health Questionnaire

It is predicted that Kurdish people, especially in Garmian District, face more mental health issues due to war, displacement and numerous political conflicts. On the other hand, different studies showed that mental health of university students decreases during their educational years. So, this study aimed to investigate the mental health of students in University of Garmian, using the Kurdish General Health Questionnaire (K-GHQ). In this cross-sectional study sample consists of 156 students selected by multistage cluster sampling among the students of five colleges from the University of Garmian. Furthermore, data were collected using Kurdish version of GHQ and demographic questionnaire. First, the GHQ successfully translated into Kurdish and back translated into English by independent professional bilingual translators. After preparing the finalized Kurdish GHQ, data were collected from May 2018 to February 2019. The investigation of reliability and validity of K-GHQ showed that this version is a valid and reliable tool for evaluation of mental health in university students. The average of mental health scores showed that only 3.25% of students were at normal mental health status and more than 96.75% of the participants were at risk. Of these, 37.6% suffered from mild problems, 51.9% had moderate, and 7.14% had severe problems. The higher scores were due to anxiety/insomnia (14.24) and social dysfunction (11.86). However, no differences were observed between the genders, but there were significant differences in global score and three sub-scales scores between freshmen and students of other grades. Because of the high prevalence of mental health problems in students of University of Garmian, effective interventions like CBT, MBSR and TFT are needed to reduce the effect of stressors and improve their mental health status.