Woman and children in traditional Turkish-Kurd dress.Turkey has been criticised over its human rights record towards its Kurdish population. As a result of the on going war against Kurdish guerrillas, entire populations were displaced from their homes. In the past, they were denied the right to reclaim their property unless they signed papers releasing the the state from any responsibility. At one point Iraqi Kurds were granted refuge in Turkey with the stipulation that it was temporary. When Turkey no longer wanted responsibility of these refugees, they were shipped out on bus loads to Iran with little to no knowledge or where they were being taken. The reasoning? They don't want the Iraqi Kurds to infect Turkish Kurds with their ideas of autonomy. Considering Turkey's desire to be part of the European community, they probably just don't want to get into a fight with the Iraqis.
Now, with the establishment of Kurdistan in northern Iraq, Kurdish separatism seems more of a threat than ever to Turkey. Their strong reactions to rising Kurdish nationalism thus far only aggravate feelings of alienation among its Kurdish population. I question whether the Turkish government is actually trying to target more than just Kurdish rebels.
In Turkey, Kurdish nationalism seeks autonomy, not secession. Most Kurds there have stakes in the economic and political system and seek improvements in their civic and political rights rather than separation. They still admire the symbolic achievements of Iraqi Kurdistan. However, such expressions of cultural and political identity face legal persecution and administrative hurdles in Turkey.
Turkish-Kurd Conflict: An Overview
How Turkey's Political Party Wins Kurdish Support
What's All This Mumble-Jumble About? Give It To Me Simple.
Now, with the establishment of Kurdistan in northern Iraq, Kurdish separatism seems more of a threat than ever to Turkey. Their strong reactions to rising Kurdish nationalism thus far only aggravate feelings of alienation among its Kurdish population. I question whether the Turkish government is actually trying to target more than just Kurdish rebels.
In Turkey, Kurdish nationalism seeks autonomy, not secession. Most Kurds there have stakes in the economic and political system and seek improvements in their civic and political rights rather than separation. They still admire the symbolic achievements of Iraqi Kurdistan. However, such expressions of cultural and political identity face legal persecution and administrative hurdles in Turkey.
Turkish-Kurd Conflict: An Overview
How Turkey's Political Party Wins Kurdish Support
What's All This Mumble-Jumble About? Give It To Me Simple.
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