The Kurdish people are an ethnic group with a distinct culture and an ancient history, primarily living in Kurdistan in the Middle East. Unfortunately, like many minority groups, we have been the subject of stereotypes and misrepresentations. In this blog, we will explore some of the common Kurdish stereotypes and attempt to dispel and explain them.
In general, stereotypes are held beliefs or generalizations about a particular group of people that are often oversimplified, inaccurate, and based on limited information or personal biases. And sometimes these stereotypes come from a foe or a political rival in order to dispcit a nation or a particular group badly for political gains. Although These stereotypes can be harmful and perpetuate negative attitudes and discrimination towards the group in question. In some cases the stereotypes can be true and positive.
So, here is the list of the common Kurdish stereotypes include:
1. Kurds oppress women
This is one of the most common Kurdish stereotypes. It originated from the fact that some Kurdish women were killed by their relatives in Europe. In fact, this stereotype is totally false because in Kurdish society women have the highest class and it’s a kurdish woman who can honor a kurdish man.
“a Kurd is always ready to die for three things, his homeland, his wife and his horse” Mustafa Barzani
Kurdish women have historically led tribes, emirates and states as such Lady Adila Jaff and Khanzadi Soran. And Peshmerga forces was the second army in middle east to recruit women. Unlike neighboring regions, Kurdish women have a critical role in Kurdish politics, Economy and education. Women in Iraqi Kurdistan and Rojava played an active role in the war against ISIS, and some of them became famous and notable commanders worldwide. According to Kurdish electoral system, women must make of 37% of National assembly members.
This rate is higher than most of Western countries. Apart from politics, The Kurdish women have greatly contributed science, art and culture. Let’s take Sabbat Istambouli as an example, She was one of the first female doctors around the world. Ture, like everywhere, there are also challenges which Kurdish women are facing. However, there have been efforts to address this issue, and many Kurdish women are now pursuing their path and taking on leadership roles in their communities.
2. Kurds never had their own state
Fasle, Throughout history, there have been several Kurdish emirates, states and even an empire that emerged in various parts of the Middle East. These emirates and states were typically powerful enough to last for centuries and control middle east. They usually were ruled by a Kurdish emir or prince. Here are some of the prominent Kurdish emirates and states that existed in history:
- Median empire: This was a Kurdish empire which controlled most of Middle East and Anatolia. The Medians were considered as early Kurds. They defeated Asyrians and overrun their empire.
- Ayyubid state: The Ayyubid sultanate was founded by legendary Kurdish Muslim leader Salahadeen Ayoubi in 1171. The Ayyubid state controlled most today’s Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Israel. The Ayyubid state defeated Fatimid Caliphate and became the most powerful state 12th century.
- Emirate of Soran: The Emirate of Soran was a Kurdish emirate that existed in Iraqi Kurdistan from the late 16th century until the mid-19th century. The emirate is considered one of the most powerful emirates in The Kurdish history. Soran Emirate was the first emirate to build it’s own weaponry. The emirate was known for its fierce resistance to outside powers, and it played a significant role in the Kurdish nationalist movement.
- Emirate of Baban: The Emirate of Baban was a Kurdish emirate that existed in Iraqi Kurdistan from the early 17th century until the mid-19th century. The emirate was ruled by the Baban family, who were able to maintain a degree of Independence from the Ottoman Empire. The emirate was known for its cultural and intellectual achievements, and it was home to a number of poets, scholars, and artists.
- Principality of Buthan: Principality of Buthan was one the most powerful states in The Kurdish history. The Badrkhani family founded the state in Turkey. They had a strong army, and controlled most of Northern Iraq and Southern Turkey. The ruling family of Buthan impacted highly on Kurdish literature, and Nationalist movement. As They created the first flag of Kurdistan, and founded the first Kurdish political party.
3. Kurds are multilingual
True. We are very good at learning languages, In fact, most of us can speak at least three languages. Due to the fact that We are divided into different countries , We learn either Arabic, Turkish or Persian alongside our mother tongue. The Young generation of the Kurds in Iraqi Kurdistan are learning English as well in school. Although We are good language learners but We hardly bother to learn other Kurdish dialects. However, The Young generation in Iraqi Kurdistan can understand the main dialects of Kurdish language well, because The media and TV channels broadcast in both dialects of Kurdish language.
4. Kurds love joking
Ture, Sarcasm is a part of our DNA. Despite of all the bloody history we have and all discriminations We face but We stay positive, and We are still a funny and happy nation. We joke about everything and everyone, if there is nothing left to joke about, We joke about ourselves. We can turn the most tragical accident into the funniest.
5. Kurds are good dancers
This is one of the true Kurdish stereotypes, We always dance, no matter where we are, even in election campaigns, war, protests. No matter we are, Whenever We hear Halperke and govand sound our shoulders start swaying. Interesting huh?
6. All Kurds follow Islam
While the majority of Kurds follow Suni-Islam, but it is not accurate to say that all Kurds are suni-Muslims. There are many Kurds who follow and adhere other religions and sects , including Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Kakai, Judaism, and Yazidism . In addition, there are many secular Kurds who do not practice any religion at all.
7. Kurds are not the same
Another common stereotype is that all Kurds aren’t the same. That’s the political stereotype that Iraq and Turkey used to divide Kurdish nation. In reality, the Kurdish population is diverse and includes different subgroups, each with its own dialect which is something normal and exist in other communities. Some of the major Kurdish subgroups include the Sorani, Kurmanji, Zaza, Badini, Jaff, Feyli, Kakai, Hawrami, Yezidi, Barzani, Jaff and Goran. Mostly Kurdish subgroups are named after the region They come from.
Finally, the Kurdish stereotypes are often inaccurate and unfair. While some of the may be true and positive. Though It is important to recognize diversity we have and avoid painting ourselves with a broad brush.
