The Kurds in Iran

Abstract

The Kurdish question is considered one of the most difficult and unresolved issues in the Middle East region. Although the Kurds have lived in this region for many centuries, they still do not have their own state. According to various statistics, there are 35-45 million Kurds scattered in the world. In the region, they are represented in four countries: Turkey, Iraq, Syria and Iran.
Kurds living in Iran, who, like other Kurds, demand autonomy, often face resentment from the Iranian government, which is why the government has banned ethnic parties and groups in the country. To gain autonomy and independence, several Kurdish political parties were formed in Iran during the last century. Other than gaining autonomy, they also support the transformation of Iran into a democratic, secular and federal state.
Kurdish political parties and groups play an important role as the preservation of Kurdish identity is the result of their strong engagement in political and military activities. The parties formed by Iranian Kurds, along with Kurdish groups in Turkey, Syria and Iraq, are actively fighting the Islamic State.