Day 3 - The Kurds

Usually the Kurds are considered to be the biggest stateless nation (with a 30-million population) in the world, which is not true. However, this statement would have been correct if we confined ourselves to the Middle East, but not on the global scale. These people are one of the most influential players in this war-torn and unstable area, where various world and regional players are vying for power and influence. They had an especially significant contribution in the war against ISIS, although they also are viewed as a threat by all three states where there is a significant minority of Kurds (especially in Turkey). It is hard to overestimate the significance of the Kurdish people in the politics of the Middle East. In Iran, we also have a large number of Kurds who are part of the multiethnic fabric of this country, where they play a significant role in the social, economic and political life of the Iranians. Our today’s lesson is dedicated to them.

  1. Curriculum
  2. Intermediate Persian Syllabus
  3. Week 9 - Identity Persian
  4. Day 3 - The Kurds  

Reading: For today’s reading, we have another excerpt (pages 215-217) from Helen Afshar’s “Iranian Identity”,  focusing on the Kurdish population of Iran.

An additional material presenting the Kurds, from a scholarly article by Masoud Motalebi, is also recommended for reference.

Listening: This short documentary by Iran International provides insights about the future of Kurdistan, a region that exists in the minds of many Kurds but on the map, each part of it is a part of a different country.

Subject of Conversation: The Kurdish Question (مسئله‌ی کرد)

In this discussion, students will explore “The Kurdish Question” through the lens of language, identity, and regional politics. The conversation will encourage students to use key vocabulary from the reading and listening materials to express nuanced opinions in Persian. They will discuss how Kurds are perceived within Iran and the broader Middle East, while practicing argumentation, asking clarifying questions, and engaging inexchange of views – all in Persian. 

Homework: 
- Read the article of today and study the vocabulary.
- Watch the video and answer the following questions: a. What is the biggest genocide that the Kurds have been subjected to and who is responsible for that? b. Who were fighting on the first line of resistance, when ISIS attacked in 1393? c. What does the 11-year-old Aisha want to become when she grows up? d. What items are the Kurdish smugglers usually carrying into Iran?
- Prepare for tomorrow’s discussion.