Kurds (Iraq)

Kurds (Iraq)
source
Group	Kurds (Iraq)
Population	5–8 million (est.)
Regions	Iraqi Kurdistan, Nineveh Governorate, Duhok Governorate, Erbil Governorate, Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Kirkuk Governorate
Languages	Kurdish language, Sorani dialect, Kurmanji dialect
Religions	Sunni Islam, Shia Islam, Yazidism, Christianity in Iraq, Alevi
Related	Kurds, Persians, Armenians

Kurds (Iraq) are an ethnic group concentrated in northern Iraq with a distinct linguistic, cultural, and political identity. They inhabit a contiguous mountainous region historically called Kurdistan and have been central actors in events such as the Anglo-Iraqi Treaty negotiations, the 1960s insurgency, and the post-2003 Iraq War. Their institutions include regional administrations, political parties, and armed formations that interact with actors like Baghdad, United States, Turkey, Iran, and international organizations.

History

The modern history involves uprisings and negotiations from the post-Ottoman settlements through 20th-century treaties and revolts such as the Sheikh Said rebellion influences and the Barzani revolts led by figures connected to the Barzani family and Mulla Mustafa Barzani. The 1970s saw the March Manifesto era and the Algiers Agreement (1975), followed by repression during the Anfal campaign orchestrated under Saddam Hussein and executed by officials like Ali Hassan al-Majid. The 1991 Gulf War aftermath produced a no-fly zone enforced by United States and United Kingdom operations, enabling the creation of the Kurdistan Regional Government after the 2003 invasion of Iraq that toppled the Ba'athist regime. The region later faced threats from Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and saw coalition operations including those by Peshmerga and international militaries.

Geography and Demographics

Populations concentrate in provinces such as Erbil Governorate, Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Duhok Governorate, and disputed areas like Kirkuk Governorate and parts of Nineveh Governorate. Major urban centers include Erbil, Sulaimaniyah, Dohuk, and Kirkuk. The terrain ranges from Zagros Mountains highlands to Tigris river plains, influencing settlement and agriculture patterns historically noted in works like those by Gertrude Bell. Demographic shifts occurred after events like the Anfal campaign and the Iraq War, with displacement crises handled by organizations such as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and International Committee of the Red Cross.

Language and Culture

The principal language family is the Indo-European branch, with the Kurdish language expressed mainly in Sorani dialect and Kurmanji dialect. Literary and cultural life engages figures and works connected to Mahabad Republic memory, the poetry tradition of Ahmad Khani and modern writers who reference themes similar to those in Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's advocacy contexts. Cultural institutions include museums in Erbil Citadel and festivals comparable to regional events like Nowruz celebrations. Religious diversity includes communities following Yazidism, Sunni Islam, and Christianity in Iraq, with religious sites such as those linked to Lalish shaping pilgrimage and identity.

Politics and Governance

Political life features major parties such as the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, alongside movements and groups involved in governance of the Kurdistan Regional Government and local councils in Erbil and Sulaimaniyah. Electoral contests interact with national institutions including the Council of Representatives of Iraq and post-2003 constitutions like the Iraqi Constitution that address federalism and autonomy. Disputes over territories, notably in Kirkuk, have involved diplomacy with United Nations envoys, negotiations with Baghdad, and international mediation efforts exemplified by missions similar to those led by the UNAMI.

Economy and Infrastructure

Economic activity centers on hydrocarbons, with regional oil exports tied to pipelines reaching Ceyhan and port infrastructures in neighboring countries such as Turkey. The regional economy also engages agriculture in river valleys, commerce in markets in Erbil and Sulaimaniyah, and reconstruction funded through agreements with actors like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Infrastructure projects include roads across the Zagros Mountains, airports such as Erbil International Airport, and energy initiatives interfacing with companies like BP and ExxonMobil during exploration and production phases.

Society and Human Rights

Humanitarian and rights concerns have been documented by organizations including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International regarding displacement, minority protections for Assyrians, Turkmen, and Yazidis, and issues arising after events like the Anfal campaign and ISIS insurgency. Social services involve healthcare facilities and universities in Erbil and Sulaimaniyah interacting with international NGOs such as Médecins Sans Frontières for crisis response. Civil society actors range from local advocacy groups to international agencies coordinating responses to internally displaced persons registered with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Security and Armed Forces

Security forces include the regional armed formation Peshmerga alongside internal security units and police forces operating in coordination and sometimes in tension with Iraqi Armed Forces, Coalition forces, and neighboring states' militaries such as those of Turkey and Iran. Conflicts with Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant involved joint operations with coalition air support provided by United States Central Command and advisers linked to NATO practices. Border security and counterterrorism efforts have entailed interactions with international intelligence communities and multinational training programs.

Category:Kurdish people Category:Ethnic groups in Iraq