THE KURDS: THEIR HISTORY AND STRUGGLE FOR POLITICAL INDEPENDENCE

Abstract

One of the most challenging questions for contemporary societies has been the recognition of cultural differences and the governance over diversity. Cultural and political leaders of complex communities tend to essentialize cultural boundaries by dichotomizing and categorizing differences. This promotes conflict and prevents effective management of cultural diversity. It has been the common experience of a number of contemporary nation states that not only categorize but also dichotomize and isolate minorities within their borders. A classic example of this, though very little known to the world at large, is the case of the Kurds.