Historical Context The collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the early twentieth century marked a watershed moment in Kurdish history (Hassan, 2013). The end of WWI and the subsequent …show more content…
Recently, protestors gathered in Washington, D.C. to protest, “Obama Must Urge an End to the Onslaught on Kurds during Turkish President’s Visit” (Khosravi, 2015). During this protest, hundreds of Kurdish, Armenian, Greek and Cypriot protestors were holding place cards that said: “Turkey Stop Killing Kurds” (Khosravi, 2015). The protestors were also waving flags of the YPG (People’s Protection Units), the YPJ (Women’s Protection Units) (Khosravi, 2015). Furthermore, a Kurdish party announced that they are going to declare a federal region in Northern Syria (Khosravi, 2015). The Kurdish community is currently focused on making a stance in their …show more content…
Kurds were forbidden to speak Kurdish in public; they had to change their names to local ethnic names if they wanted a job or to enroll their children in school (Khosravi, 2015). Their books, music, and clothing were considered contraband and they had to hide them in their homes (Khosravi, 2015). Kurdish people are known for their oral traditions. Most popular oral traditions are epic poems called lawj, and they often tell of adventure in love or battle (Khosravi, 2015). Dengbej refers to a musician who performs traditional Kurdish folk song (Khosravi, 2015). Furthermore, Dengbej is best known for their “stran,” or song of mourning (Khosravi, 2015). Some of the instruments the Kurdish use are flute, drums, and the ut-ut (similar to a guitar) (Khosravi, 2015). Folk art is also important to the Kurds. Carpet weaving is one of the most important types of folk art to the Kurdish people. The beauty of Kurdish designs are enriched by high-chroma blues, greens, saffron as well as terracotta and burnt orange hues made richer still by lustrous will used (Khosravi, 2015). Additionally, Kurdish people enjoy playing soccer, wrestling, hunting, shooting, and cirit, a traditional sport that involves throwing a javelin while mounted on horseback (Khosravi, 2015). Also in the rural areas, the Kurds enjoy camel riding and horseracing. Kurdish people are family-oriented and enjoying fun