I have always been very curious about my culture and the extent of nationalism among Kurds. Kurds have a very rich history and a culture, which has been preserved for generations under the rule many tyrants. The Kurdish people witnessed the worst forms of oppression shortly following World War , when Kurdistan was divided between Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Syria. While my people have shed much blood for a lost dream – a united Kurdistan – and many are dispersed all around the world (some as far as Alaska and Somalia), there is still a remarkable sense of Kurdish nationalism. In the recent Iraqi election, the majority of the votes were from the Kurdish diaspora.

This idea of strong association with Kurdish identity recently became very clear to me when Qubad Talabani, son of Iraq’s current President, spoke at my university. Talabani, born in Beriut, is married to a Jewish-American. He discussed the issue of forming an Iraqi identity in which everyone feels a sense of belonging to a united Iraq. I realized that this is very true and that most of Iraq’s population will identify themselves simply as Kurds, Sunni Arabs or Shia Arabs first, and only secondly, from Iraq. This indicates that Iraq seems to be a place where different ethnicities merely live and not belong. It is indeed very difficult for us, as Kurds, to have an Iraqi identity as we have always been considered a minority and suffered through extreme ethnic cleansing such as the Anfal Campaign and the Halabja Massacre. Today, most Kurds agree that, “We should drop this unconscious idea of trusting our neighbors,” and, “We should look towards sovereignty because it is our international right!” However, a Kurdish President in Iraq has given us much hope that, perhaps, we will never be considered again, as a second-class citizen in Iraq. Furthermore, I walked away from Qubad’s presentation thinking about how we, as Kurds, have been able to survive the test of time and preserve our culture for as long as we have.

Personally for me, the answer was clear: I grew up in Kurdistan and upon moving to America, my parents have always been very involved in my life and have taught me the Kurdish culture. However, I cannot conclude that it is simply because I grew up in Kurdistan, that I have such a strong connection with my culture. I have many Kurdish friends who were raised in many parts of the world under different circumstances, some of which have still never seen Kurdistan. I think culture is very essential and I greatly admire anyone who has been able to maintain their cultural values in a globalizing world, whether they are Kurdish or not. Clearly, this is due to their parents’ efforts, as a fellow Kurd and Kurdish American Youth Organization member puts it best:

My family has been active regarding the Kurdish issue and worked in several organizations, as well as independently, in support of the Kurdish cause. Their actions have motivated me to try and take an active part as well. My passion for the Kurdish culture is partly owed to them for teaching me most of what I know about my people, culture and homeland.

Upon interviewing other Kurds, it really occurred to me that my culture is very unique and strong. Our common goal for a free Kurdistan and “mistreatment of our neighbors [ethnic cleansing in Turkey and Iraq especially]” has kept us together for many generations, both within and outside of Kurdistan. I think I can be safe to speak for most Kurds when saying that despite having suffered such racial prejudice, we are very tolerant of other cultures. Upon moving to America, my parents have taught me that everyone has something to offer to the world, regardless of their nationality or religion. My parents both grew up in Kurdistan and have experienced oppression and racial hatred to its extreme. Yet, they have very close friendships with various individuals from Turkish, Persian and Arab backgrounds. My parents have taught me that a free Kurdistan can exist one day only through education, and spreading understanding and tolerance of other cultures. Today, we as Kurds have been presented with the opportunity to acquire valuable skills and the ideals that I believe, if used effectively, will one day lead to a united and free Kurdistan.

I have always been very proud of my heritage and I am very involved in educating others about the Kurdish issue. Today, there are many organizations formed by the Kurdish youth such as the Kurdish American Youth Organization, which aims at spreading awareness and motivating the young Kurds to be involved in their communities. Many believe that in order to make a difference, one needs to belong to a larger organization and obtain much outside help. However, I strongly agree with another fellow KAYO member that:

Since we work on individual levels, our efforts seems like a drop in a bucket, but the bucket takes drops from every one to fill. Even though it might appear small, our work when united, has a massive effect and its effect is something that can be seen from a distance.

I believe that it is very important for me and for other Kurds to educate people about our history and culture. We must also form friendships and explain our points of view to individuals, especially those of our surrounding countries. The future of Kurdistan begins with the youth, and if we can spread equality and understanding within our own communities, then perhaps one day we will be able to take that back with us to the Middle East. I hope to see an independent Kurdistan one day, which will include the regions of our land given to Syria, Turkey, Iran and Iraq. It is our given right to have our own country. We are by far the largest ethnic group without a country of our own. Throughout history, the Kurdish people have been relatively peaceful and never attempted to take over any other group's land, but rather defend what is rightfully ours. I cannot stress enough that the future of Kurdistan begins with the Youth. Our main objective should be to create a united Kurdistan, within a peaceful Middle East, where mothers no longer weep over the corpses of their young ones, and children are not orphaned because of their ethnicity and religion. After all, we are all the same in the eyes of God.