History, Culture and Politics of the Kurds: A Short Overview

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Kurds, the world’s largest people without a state of their own, and explores their complex and often tragic history. This brief overview challenges the notion that the Kurds are a people without a history and highlights their active role in shaping their social and political reality. The author discusses the existence of a Kurdish literate civilization with a rich literary tradition going back centuries, debunking the perception of the Kurds as rural, tribal and illiterate. The article also examines the impact of various historical events, such as the collapse of empires, the rise of nationalism and the Cold War, on Kurdish aspirations for self-determination. It examines Kurdish struggles with nationalist states, the influence of the Soviet Union and the United States, and the emergence of Kurdish liberation movements. By shedding light on Kurdish history, culture and political challenges, this survey aims to provide a deeper understanding of this vibrant and resilient people.

Keywords

• kurds
• history
• culture
• politics
• literate civilization
• nationalism
• self-determination
• liberation movements
• cold war
• middle east