Kurdish Society Research Articles

Kurdish women’s activism in Iran: struggle for re-conquest of the public sphere

ABSTRACT Ayatollah Khomeini’s concept of ‘Islamic government’, and the 1979 Iranian revolution, sought to exclude women from the public sphere and introduced a new hegemony of the Islamic public sphere. For a variety of cultural and political reasons, many Kurds in Iran refused to accept the religious government’s policies. Using the concepts of public and counter-public, the article discusses Kurdish women’s activism and investigates what motivated them to challenge their marginalization. We argue that in confronting centralist-religious power and traditional Kurdish society, Kurdish women have created new counter-publics that could promote democracy and improve gender equality in both Kurdistan and Iran.

The Impact of Alai Suri Kurdayeti Magazine in Disseminating National Awareness

This paper, titled "The Impact of Alai Suri (Red Flag) Kurdayeti Magazine on the Propagation of National Awareness," delves into an examination of the content within Alai Suri Kurdayeti Magazine during the period of the mountain struggle and the revolutionary era, spanning from 1981 to 1982. Despite the protracted history of the Kurdish people's struggle for their national rights, the establishment of a comprehensive national identity remains an indispensable intellectual and vital requirement within Kurdish society, intrinsically tied to the notion of national consciousness. The manifestation of a national identity fundamentally hinges on shared national principles, a common language, culture, religion, history, collective aspirations, and unified political and legal principles, all of which necessitate a heightened state of national consciousness. Throughout the history of the Kurdistan liberation movement, diverse strategies have been employed to attain this identity, with media engagement serving as one prominent avenue. During a particularly sensitive period in Kurdish history within South Kurdistan (1981-1982), the Kurdish Socialist Party (PASOK) issued Alai Suri Kurdayeti Magazine. This publication, apart from accomplishing its political objectives, aimed to acquaint Kurdish society with various facets of life and intellect. Its purpose was to cultivate national thought and consciousness while alerting the community to the imminent threats they faced.

Gender identity disorder and its relations to avoidance symptoms among homosexuals

Gender identity refers to the way humans view themselves and perceive themselves to be attractive both sexually and romantically. It is an individual's appreciation and satisfaction of being heterosexual, bisexual, homosexual, or cisgender. It refers to an individual's sexual understanding of himself and is part of one's identity, which is different from the sexual understanding of oneself. Gender identity disorder means a robust desire of pertinence towards the opposite sex and robustly insistence on this otherness. Avoidance is classified within the framework of cluster 3 of personality disorders, which is identified by The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Hence, one can argue those who have this kind of personality disorder may appear in them withdrawal behavior; and they view themselves as restless, and they feel that they are rejected and despised by others. The researcher argues that homosexuals in Kurdish society are not accepted, and a large majority of people see them as sick, and others as victim due to their vulnerability to social and psychological problems. This study aims at finding relations between gender identity disorder and symptoms of avoidance in homosexual persons. The descriptive and relational methodology is used to intentionally select 108 subjects, 84 males and 24 females. Based on literatures and contemporary studies in the field, the researcher prepares the items of the gender identity disorder, yet for symptoms of avoidance, the researcher relies on and takes its terminologies from The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The terminologies in both variables are presented to groups of experts in education, psychology, and psychiatrics, and for extracting stability from both the measures, (split-half) and (alpha Cronbach’s) is used. After applying the last measures on individuals from the sample of the study, statistics of the data is analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study concludes that there is a robust, positive and significant correlation between gender identity disorder and avoidance symptoms among homosexuals. Based on the results recommendations are also given.

Narration of Contemporary Kurdish Politics in Jan Dost's Novels

This article explores the political novels of the renowned Kurdish author Jan Dost, focusing on how they narrate contemporary Kurdish politics and reflect the complex socio-political landscape of Kurdistan. While Dost is widely known for his historical novels, this study highlights his works that directly engage with recent political events in the region. Drawing parallels with epic and modern literary traditions that intertwine with war and political turmoil, the article situates Dost’s novels within the broader context of political fiction. It argues that Dost’s narratives provide a critical lens through which to examine power dynamics, social relations, and the ongoing struggles within Kurdish society. By analyzing the thematic content and narrative strategies in these novels, the article sheds light on Dost’s contribution to Kurdish literature and his ability to capture the political consciousness of his time.

The Rushdiyye School in Rawandz and its most prominent problems 1868-1916

Throughout the history, science and scholars have held a prominent position within Kurdish society. During ancient times, mosques, madrassas, and chambers served as the primary hubs for scientific knowledge and educational institutions. However, during the final phase of Ottoman administration in Kurdistan, the state officially established schools, including one in the city of Rawandz. The state covered the expenses of these schools, including teachers' salaries and the provision of educational materials for students. However, in contrast to other educational institutions in Rushdiya, the Rushdiya school in Rawandz exhibits several deficiencies and challenges. The subject matter revolved around education, students, and teachers. In this study, many scientific methodologies were employed, including historical analysis and the examination of textual materials as the primary source. Additionally, supplementary scientific sources such as books and research papers were utilized. Academic fields such as master's and doctorate theses, along with the use of comparative techniques sources and official calendars and papers of the Ottoman state, offer comprehensive insights into his life and accomplishments. This research aims to scientifically examine the Rushdieh School of Rawandz and the prominent issues that arose between 1868 and 1916. Despite these challenges, the school played a significant role in advancing the scientific interests of Rawandz and fostering the development of a new generation.

Educational and schooling thought in Piramerd's Poetic Proverbs

Proverbs are product of each society's thoughts and views on phenomena and events and their worldview for the future, which have appeared as a result of the experiences of enlightened people and the whole of society has participated in expressing and formulating them. Among them, the poetic proverbs which are the work of experienced and wise persons that generated them, and afterwards became the property of society which have an important value for any subject and purpose, that we want to know the people's opinion about. In the view of importance of poetic proverbs and their impact on education, this study investigates Piramerd's Poetic Proverbs entitled (Educational and schooling thought in Piramerd's Poetic Proverbs). Piramerd looks for importance of education in the view of Kurdish society in that era and importance of education in Kurdish proverb in particular, what was the status of education at that time? What was the desired trend of education? The study consists of two sections: the first section includes the concept of proverb, poetic proverb, and the importance of education and the role of educational proverbs. In the second section, on the basis of warning, avoidance, instructions, guidelines, objectives of the poetic proverbs and their contents are explained and shedding light on their aims; thereafter, the perspectives and worldviews are identified. Finally, the results are showed.

From De-Tribalisation to Re-tribalisation: Conflict and Organisation Models in Discussing the Structural Transformation of Kurdish Tribes

The concept of tribe has a long history in Kurdish society, signifying a common origin through blood and place ties, corresponding to a strong collective identity and having socio-political implications. This form of social organisation, which emphasises tradition, locality and hierarchy, was expected to disappear with the modernisation movements. However, neither political actors nor modernity have been able to achieve de-tribalisation. On the contrary, the tribe has managed to reproduce itself in all processes, structures and formations. So what are the basic dynamics that make this adaptation possible? This article argues that the main dynamics that have sustained the tribal structure, and thus prevented de-tribalisation, are tribal-specific organisational models and inter-tribal conflicts, especially in accordance with the segmentary lineage system. Elections, capitalist relations, non-governmental organisations, etc. are considered in this article as intermediaries that keep these dynamics alive. Drawing on the theoretical knowledge and perspectives of anthropology and political science, the article concludes that micro-political issues such as conflict and conflict resolution strengthen the spirit of togetherness, ensure unity of action and thus make re-tribalisation possible.

The Return of the Oppressed: Notes on Kurdish Anti-colonialism

Abstract This article critically examines the historical trajectory and contemporary manifestations of Kurdish anti-colonialism. The analysis unfolds in two parts, dissecting the intricate relationship between theory and action within the Kurdish struggle. The historical dimension delves into Ottoman-era Turkish-style colonization, elucidating the displacement strategies employed by the Ottoman state. The study underscores the delayed integration of the colonialism concept into the Kurdish intellectual framework, shedding light on the challenges faced by the oppressed in articulating their anti-colonial narrative. The second part scrutinizes the ideological challenges within the Kurdish anti-colonial discourse. The instrumental use of the slogan “Kurdistan is a colony” is explored, emphasizing the dominance of socialist objectives over national liberation aspirations. The impact of socialism and pan-Islamism on Kurdish politics and the linguistic complexities that obscure the colonial difference through language are examined. Contemporary dynamics, such as the Peace and Democracy Process and political violence, are analyzed to provide insights into the evolving nature of the Kurdish struggle. The resurgence of colonial theory within Kurdish society, particularly through techno-Kurdishness, is explored, highlighting the role of modern communication technologies in reshaping the narrative. The article concludes by reflecting on the potential of the Kurdish struggle to inspire global resistance movements.

Changing Political Identities of the Iranian Kurdish Left in Europe

Abstract This article examines the tendency towards political individualism and its impact among first-generation political immigrants with a leftist political background from Iran/Eastern Kurdistan (Rojhelat) living in Western Europe, from the perspective of individuals’ political identity in terms of relations with political organizations and their ideological stance. Following a qualitative approach, data was collected through semi-structured in-depth and focus group interviews with members and ex-members of political parties. The findings show that, as a result of leaving Iran’s political climate as well as Kurdish political organizations, and with the influence of a new political culture, many interviewees have adopted individualized politics based on their own opinions and self-interest. The immigrants have found a multi-dimensional political view that simultaneously pays attention to the ethno-national, class, and gender issues of Kurdish society.

Honour Killing in Erbil City; Social Factors

Honour killing is one of oldest crimes has been carried out in human’s history, mostly by men, especially in the Middle East culture. It is important for social science researchers to find out the factors behind this horrified crime, also to what extent men see their honour and dignity in women’s gender. In Kurdish society, Honour killing is social phenomenon as it has been increased in past decade. The main question in this research is; to what extent social factors effected on increasing HK in Kurdistan/ Erbil City? Has Honour Killing become social phenomenon in Kurdish society? This research focuses on social factors like religion, culture, family reputation and status effecting on Honour Crimes in Kurdistan. The importance of this research is, It seems like every day we hear about HK and how many innocent women/men have been murdered for no reason. This topic is related to Kurdish structure and social system of Kurdistan. In spite of KRG's new law and progress in developing Kurdistan and people's awareness, the HK rate is increasing. Overall, all interviewers believed that culture is main cause and reason for HK.

The Shari ’a Rooting of the Prevailing Customs in the Kurdish Society Marriage as a Model

The Shari ’a Rooting of the Prevailing Customs in the Kurdish Society Marriage as a Model

اللامساس اللغوي والمكانة والشخصية في اللغة الكردية

This paper entitled “Linguistic Impoliteness, and Reputation and Personality in Kurdish Language” mentions a negative aspect of using the Kurdish language through unethical language usage and linguistic impoliteness by the people who have reputations in Kurdish society and use language in a wrong way that cannot correlate with their personality and reputation. This study discusses those speeches and writings that embody impoliteness of language. Then, the methods and means of spreading this phenomenon and its reasons are discussed with the analysis of this phenomenon in the field of sociolinguistics. Later, this phenomenon is indicated in those who have reputations in Kurdish society mentioning its negative impact on the Kurdish official language and the people’s reputations. Eventually, recommendations and solutions for this phenomenon are presented. This study is related to the field of sociolinguistics which is related to applied linguistics, and it is conducted through the method of descriptive analysis.

Women's Political Empowerment in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq: A Comparison Between the Kurdistan Region in Iraq and the Kurdish Autonomous Administration in Syria

This study examines the role of women’s political participation in empowering women and promoting gender equality in Kurdish society, comparing the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and the Kurdish Autonomous Administration in Syria. The research aims to understand how political parties and women’s organizations influence women's empowerment and address gender issues in these regions. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study draws on 15 interviews and 474 surveys from political party members, women’s organizations, government officials, and local residents in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dhok, Kerkuk, Halabja, and parts of the Kurdish Autonomous Administration in Syria. The findings show that women’s organizations, particularly in Rojava, have been pivotal in advancing gender equality through initiatives such as Jineology and self-protection strategies. However, women in both regions continue to face significant socio-economic and familial barriers, limiting their political and societal participation. While the regional focus presents a limitation in generalizing the findings, the research provides practical implications for improving women’s political involvement and rights. The study offers original insights by comparing the political empowerment of women across two distinct Kurdish regions, highlighting the critical role of women’s organizations and the need for collaborative efforts to dismantle barriers and promote gender equality in Kurdish society.

Specificity of politication and radicalization of the Kurdish national liberation movement in the Middle East

The authors reveal the interdependence of the Kurdish national liberation movement in the Middle East and the internal policies pursued by the Ottoman state, and later by Turkey, Iraq, Syria and Iran, aimed at state centralization and modernization of these states, which violates the traditional foundations of Kurdish society and threatens the tribal autonomy of these people. The authors also identify the role of leading world powers in the radicalization of the Kurdish issue and the strengthening of the Kurdish national liberation movement in the region. The research methodology is based on a civilizational approach. The article examines the history, specifics and features of the development of the internal policy of the Ottoman Empire, later of Turkey, Iraq, Syria and Iran, the consequences of its implementation and the reasons that led to the formation of the Kurdish national-territorial issue and the increased radicalization of Kurdish society in the period from the 19th to the end of the 20th centuries. The scientific novelty of the article consists of: 1. The analysis of domestic policies carried out on the territory of the Ottoman Empire, and subsequently in Turkey, Iraq, Syria and Iran during the period of the late XIX – XX centuries. 2) Identification of the influence of direct and indirect historical and foreign policy factors that influenced the Young Turk state’s policy of centralization and modernization, as well as the relationship of these factors with the emergence, formation and development of the Kurdish national liberation movement. 3) Study of the root causes and main stages of the politicization and radicalization of the Kurdish issue in the Middle East. 4) The findings of the study also reveal the role of leading foreign policy players represented by Russia, the USA, Great Britain, France and Germany in the Kurdish issue.

Exploration of the Impact of Harsh Language in Kurdish Society on Social Media – Facebook: A Sociolinguistic Case Study

The study explores the multifaceted realm of language within the Kurdish society. Employing a sociolinguistic perspective, the study meticulously examines horizontal elements such as environmental influences, social groups, values, and attitudes, alongside vertical elements including language variations across societal classes, literacy levels, demographics, and age groups. Recognizing language as a fundamental tool for comprehension and communication, the research emphasizes its pivotal role in human life and societal progress. The paper aims to investigate that language usage significantly influences relationships, either strengthening or straining them, necessitating careful consideration by language users. The study focuses on diverse facets, encompassing language applications, the role of slang, and the repercussions of its use in social media. Explicit language, particularly prevalent in online platforms, is scrutinized for its motivations and subsequent adverse effects on individuals and society. With a specific focus on slang, the paper seeks to validate this linguistic form and elucidate its informal impact on both senders and recipients, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of language dynamics in Kurdish society.

Cruising the Soundscapes of Kurdish Turkey

Abstract This article delves into the life, performances, and sung narratives of a young queer dengbêj (Kurdish bard) to explore how he constitutes and conveys his gendered and national identities within both the queer community and the broader Kurdish society. Grounded in an ethnographic study of Kurdish queer soundscapes, encompassing the production of, and engagement with, various musical genres and traditions, as well as innovative vocal and acoustic expressions, this article portrays queer dengbêji as deeply intimate explorations of alternative futurity that challenges the trenchant heteronormative and homo/nationalist present. As the Kurdish dengbêji culture finds itself at the center of various conflicting political projects, this article examines the molding of queerness and dengbêji, highlighting how queer Kurds find new ways of belonging, desire, and difference through the sonic expressions of sentiments, feelings, fantasies, and dis/attachments.

Navigating decolonization: Kurdish society, politics, and academic empowerment

Navigating decolonization: Kurdish society, politics, and academic empowerment

The impact of cultural elite on public opinion formation in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

The intellectual elite has an important position and a great interest in all societies, especially in the integrated societies and the developed societies globally, they are told the mind of society, and for this reason, this research is entitled (the influence of the intellectual elite on public opinion in the Kurdistan region- Iraq), this research is an attempt to define the intellectual elite in general and the intellectual elite in Kurdistan region in particular. The researcher wants to point out that the national duty and responsibility falls on these elite at different stage. Therefore, the aim of research is to determine the role, influence and interest of these elite on the Kurdish society, and also wants to determine the level of influence and ability of these elite on public opinion. At the same time, it tried to identify and clarify all the obstacles that have become an obstacle to these elite and the reasons for reducing their efficiency and activity in Kurdish society.To answer the research questions, the researcher used a descriptive and analytical method, the descriptive method use to introduce the concepts and terms used in the research, as well as the analytical method for analyzing the acquired information. It is clear that the research community is Kurdistan region. In addition to the written and available sources, the researcher benefited from intellectuals and university professors by meeting with them, and here he reached to an conclusion : that the intellectual elite in Kurdistan region was not able to be at all required level in bad conditions, crises, political and social problems by affecting public opinion and proving its impact. On the one hand, this is a subjective reason and belongs to the Kurdish intellectuals themselves, and on the other hand, the political environment of the region is not an appropriate environment.

The Effect of The Loaded Language and The Appearance of Sadism In Kurdish Society

The Effect of The Loaded Language and The Appearance of Sadism In Kurdish Society

The economic situation of Kurdistan from the perspective of Italian and French orientalists from the thirteenth century to 1819

The aim of this study is to point out and understand the economic situation of Kurdistan and its relationship with neighboring nations, as well as highlight the role and influence of the three economic sectors (agriculture, industry, trade) of Kurdistan from the thirteenth century to 1819 At that time, Kurdistan was going through a sensitive economic situation, as a result of the political situation that existed in the region at that time, such as the political and military conflict between the two Safavid states and later the Qajar and Ottoman states. The difficulties of this study are that the sources on the economic situation of Kurdistan before the first half of the eighteenth century in general and after the second half of the eighteenth century, necessarily include only the writings of European orientalists However, these writings also need to be explained and analyzed. In this research, the method of historical research has been followed within the framework of the structural method in order to present the historical and economic information of Kurdistan, as well as the method of analysis and interpretation has been followed. The research consists of an introduction, an introduction, three themes, conclusions and a list of sources. The first topic briefly mentions the geography of Kurdistan and its position in the region, which has become an important region for the countries of the region and the powers, due to its vast territory, has become a bridge between East and West On the other hand, it was located on an important trade route known as the Silk Road, and is considered one of the richest areas in terms of agriculture, livestock and horticulture. The second topic focuses on the economic situation in Kurdistan from the thirteenth century to 1819, when Kurdish society consisted of three classes, namely nomads and semi-nomads and residents of villages and cities, as well as the economic situation in Kurdistan in the early half Second, the eighteenth century until 1819. In addition, attention has been paid to the natural and human problems facing the Kurdistan economy.