[BRIEF NOTE] The Many Kurdistans

[rfmcdonald]

Global Politician carries an interesting article by one Antero Leitzinger, questioning the nature of Kurdish identity:

Western thinking leads us to figure out nations on the basis of a common language or religion. According to the principle of nation-state, each nation must have a homeland. But are the Kurds one united nation, or rather a heterogeneous group of various nations in the same way as, for instance, the Scandinavians [Swedes, Danes, Norwegians, Icelanders] or the Baltic Finns [Finns, Estonians, Karelians, Ingrians, Veps, Livonians]?

The Kurds speak several languages and confess even more religions. Equally big differences prevail between Kurdish languages as between them and Persian. If Gurani and Luri are just dialects of one and same language, then are not also Sorani and Kurmandji dialects of Persian? If the Kurds still need a state separate from other Iranic nations, would there next be a liberation movement of Zazakistan within independent Kurdistan?

There are several Kurdistans, "lands of the Kurds", in the world – not only because the traditional territory inhabited by Kurds is divided between at least six states, but also because each Kurdish party has their own idea of the borders, governance and future of their ideal state. The Kurds have dozens of nationalist parties, and besides, many Kurds support cross-country parties that exceed ethnic boundaries in those countries where free party activity is legal at all.

Leitzinger goes on to argue that although Kurds do share a common identity, they may not yet constitute a nation. The article is worth closer reading.