We invite you to add your thoughts, ideas and comments about this website, the book Kurdistan: In the Shadow of History, or the traveling exhibition. After eight years of touring, the exhibit was displayed for the last time in Paris at the Hotel de Ville during the summer of 2004. An excerpt of the original show was presented at the International Center for Photography in New York, September 19, 2008–January 4, 2009; and at the Zilkha Gallery at Wesleyan University, Fall 2008.
Please note: we reserve the right to edit comments for inappropriate and/or profane language.
Subject: only for a new colony??
To all the Turkish Citizens..
The world is very old...Also the history of Anatolia, but in this old history there has never been a Kurdish state.The Turks have never occupied a Kurdish state.They occupied Greece, Bulgaria,...but never a Kurdistan. You can't rebuilt something that has never been. The Ottomans rulled over Balcanians but when they went the Greeks were speaking Greek. In Romenia they were speaking their language...etc. But when french left Tunisia, they all began to speak French. When English left the colonies they began to speak English, and in America they even didn't let them to talk, killed them all!!!
Do you believe that these contries will protect human rights of Kurds? And if there was a Kurdistan the Ottomans would let them as they were. And Ottomans had a very large territory. When we formed the Turkish Republic, Ataturk said the cities that want to fight with the European enemies that had occupied our land to should send a person. This was democracy!! For all the cities that are on the map of Turkey, the citizens of these cities have fought for to save their lands!!!
In these conditians if the Kurds would have wanted to form another republic, there weren't any Turkish soldiers that avoided them. We can't divide Turkey because it's the heritage of the citizens of these cities that had died in the war for to send English, Italians,... back and live in Turkish republic!! If there wasn't Turkish Republic the territories showed in the map as Kurdistan would be English!!! They couldn't make in that way now they are trying to achieve their goals using our citizens against us.
Anatolia is a very mixed place.For me, we are all Anatolian if you want to search a ethnic source. And the Kurds living in Turkey are very differen't from those in Syria.They don't even understand each other! And Ocalan and terrorist fractions do harm to those living in Turkey.
My mother is a teacher and in east Turkey they first killed the teachers. Because if they educate young ones they won't be terrorists! And goverment of Turkey has wanted to built fabrics but when there is terrorism no business man goes there.
All the citizens of Turkey has the same rights bacause in our identity card there is no place for race!! And the Kurds are living in all of Turkey. You can't sign one region like the Kurds are locked up! The problem is east of Turkey is poor. But this is the fault of Ocalan and terrorists. You have to look at the photos of babies and civil people killed by Ocalan.We have seen enough... Stop political lies. No one has the right to use human rights, ethnic sources to make brother kill brother and wait for the right time to make a new colony.
Submitted by: ps
Date: December 29, 2002
Subject: kurd
My God....dont we all just get along so well with each other....i think the turks need to wake up....they simply think that the kurdish problem is a socio-economic problem.....well its not, if it were people in south kurdistan wouldnt be so patriotic...i mean there in good economic shape, but still think that there should be a unite KURDISTAN....Turkey is just mad that they had to spend 7 billion dollars a year to controll what they call "a handfull of bandits/terriosts"....You cant defeat a people and nationalism...sooner or later, it gonna happen, so they world better get ready for another earthquakc....because out people are coming throug...:)
Long live Kurdistan
Bijit Peshmerge
Submitted by: nezar
E-mail: denu1986@aol.com
Date: December 29, 2002
Subject: Kurdistan and its future
What a great site. I am rediscovering myself as a Kurd(originally from Kerkuk currently invaded/managed by Iraqi people) in Den Haag, Holland.
Really, I did not know that we were that great.
Thanks to this site. After all these stories and stuff, I am now even more proud Kurd. Being Kurd is something special for me. I am looking for a great Kurdistan which is part of European Community. Off course, Turkey should not be part of Europe. They are bad boyz. Kurdistan should be founded and connected to EC, ASAP. I have a lot of connections in Holland and willing to help my country KURDISTAN. What do you think on this ? Why not ? First lets build our government then join to Europe. Europe loves us.
I believe in Great European Kurdistan...
Superb site, keep up the great work...
Abdullah Kaarim
Submitted by: Abdullah Kaarim
E-mail: denhaag@hotmail.com
Date: December 15, 2002
Subject: syrian kurdistan
I am very interested in Syrian Western Kurdistan and I would love to hear from anyone from this area or who has travelled there.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
john.
Great and worthwhile site.
Submitted by: john wreford
E-mail: johnwreford@hotmail.com
Date: December 15, 2002
Subject: Language
Hi i am from england my boyfriend is kurdish and i am currently learning the language........
Chonie Bashie...........wala vour bashem...........quavise..........qud le gul..........
I find the kurdish langauge fasinating and quite difficult to learn but i will keep it up.........i think kurdish people are great......its very hard for them as refugees living in england because they are regugees english people have got so much hate for them......and feel they are over here to spend all the tax payers money.........i personaly do not think it is that i think they are over here having a peace full life and a better future................
your website is great.....it helped me realise what sort of a backgoung my boyfriend and his family have come from.
I am pregnant at the moment and me and my boyfriend have been trying to find a suitable name for our child.......we are unsure of the gender of the child.........could any one suggest some suitable names for our child.....we are looking for some english/kurdish names thanks
Submitted by: Katie
E-mail: gemma.grim@medway.gov.uk
Date: December 10, 2002
every story reminds me of my life in Kurdistan and europe. they tell the stories as if they were reading my mind.
Submitted by: mastora
Date: December 07, 2002
Subject: History
I am from the latin American region and enjoy reading about history. I would love to be able to read more about the Kurdish histoy.
In my case I am totally ignorant about the history, the people and the region.
Submitted by: Fernando Perez
E-mail: perezfz@hotmail.com
Date: December 04, 2002
Subject: sharing your information
I visited this sight to try to obtain additional information to give to the grade 8 class I work with in a small town in Saskatchewan, Canada.
The homeroom teacher and I are taking turns reading a novel about a Kurdish family being forced back into the hills.
The students are able to identify with the story as the girl is about their age. I am able to add some real facts as I lived in Kirkuk for may years and have a very great respect for the Kurdish People. I look forward to obtaining the book and sharing even more with the students.
Submitted by: Anne
Date: December 01, 2002
Subject: BIJI KADEK
Today 27th November is the 25th anniversary of foundation of Partiya Kakre^n Kurdistan ( PKK ). This is a great day for kurdish people all over the world. PKK succeeded to pave the way for the rebirth of kurdish people in the North of our country Kurdistan. Inspite of harsh methods, inspite of all possible inhuman ways by deniers of kurdish existance this movement was not crushed.
PKK rightly analysed the developed situation in the world and Middle -East halted and its activities in 2202. The foundation of Kongra Azadiu Demokrati Kurdistan (KADEK) this year, gave a new momentum to the struggle of Kurdish people for freedom and democracy. The Kurdish Movement wants the rights of Kurdish people be implemented by peaceful means. It strives for a democratic Turkey in which Kurds and Turks and all other citizens could live in peace and prosperity.
LONG LIVE KADEK
Submitted by: BIJI KADEK
E-mail: kadek@kurdistan.com
Date: November 27, 2002
Subject: CRY FOR FREEDOM
Hi,
I am a kurd boy who live in NYC. I am a computer science master student. My parents live in North Kurdistan (Turkey). I am ver glad that i met this lovely website.
I am proud of being a KURD. The only thing that i want is FREEDOM OF KURDISTAN AND KURDS.
Thank you.
Submitted by: Selly Rodi
E-mail: genc25@hotmail.com
Date: November 26, 2002
Subject: Jobs and Vol in our area
Dear Kurdistan c/o Send us your Comments
I have seen your website it is excellent keep up the great work! I have some information about jobs and volunteer opportunities in Wayne County, North Carolina, USA that will be very helpful for the Kurdish people and for US! We would love to learn about Kurdistan's history, language, religions, foods, dances, etc. and create a Little Kurdistan District here in Downtown Goldsboro, North Carolina, USA! If there are any Kurdish interested in work here please e-mail me at: international27534@sierraleonelive.com
Thanks and I wish all the Kurdish people the best of luck here!
Ciao for now
Chris
P.S. Write back when you get a chance too..
Submitted by: Christopher Lawson
E-mail: international27534@sierraleonelive.com
Date: November 18, 2002
Subject: please send me more photograph
Im a kurdish from Iraq i now i live in Hungary,im in a town called Debrecen ,im very happy to visit your website ,i would like to have more photograph of my lovely kurdistan so please send me through my e-mail address as mentioned bellow.thanks your Omed Hussen
Submitted by: Omed Hussen
E-mail: omed_31@yahoo.co.uk
Date: November 4, 2002
Subject: DEHAP
For the sake of right cause of kurdish people!
For the sake of a healthy and constructive discussion !
For the sake of a new approach to solving conflicts !
Refrain from using inappropriare and profane language.
Yesterday a 500 thousand strong crowd gathered in Istanbol to give their support to DEHAP and listen to the messages of DEHAP's nominees for forthcoming parliament in Ankara.
Try to strengthen the political process for change and transformation in Turkey!
Let the Kurdish people live in Peace and harmony with the Turkish people!with its own distinct culture and political Identity.
NO to haterd
Yes To Dehap
Submitted by: Support Dehap
E-mail: Dehap@to Parliament.Now
Date: October 29, 2002
Subject: Thank You
My name is Carmit and I am from Israel. My family lived in Kurdistan for centuries before they moved to Israel. This wonderful website and moving material brought back wonderful memories from my grandparents and from a culture that I hope is not fading away.
I wish you all the best, peace and freedom.
Submitted by: Carmit
Date: October 28, 2002
Subject: To the American Paratrooper
This is for Mr.Davidson the American Paratrooper who was in the region with the US Army during Gulf War. He talks about the Kurdish terrorists as "Valiant Freedom Fighters" and how we would have loved to stay and fight with them against Turkey!! A country who is an ally of his country, USA.
Well Mr.Davidson those "freedom fighter" Kurdish terrorists killed innocent people in my city with their terrorist bombs. We have hundreds of deaths within our community because of Kurdish terrorists.
Have you ever considered the suffering the Turkish community has gone through at the hand of Kurds? Are you going to come with them to my peaceful Turkish neighborhood and shoot Turkish mothers down because Kurds want you to? In case you don't know, that's what Kurds have been doing. Killing innocent Turks throughout my country.
Kurds of Turkey support terrorism and are proud of Ocalan and his murders.
Submitted by: Hate Ocalan, Hate Kurdish Terrorists
Date: October 24, 2002
Subject: THANKS
THANK YOU FOR BEING THE ONLY SITE THAT REVEALS THE TRUTH TO THE WORLD ABOUT KURDISH PEOPLES
Submitted by: KUDISH PUPIL OF ALEPPO
E-mail: JAMEELMURAD@HOTMAIL.COM
Date: October 20, 2002
Subject: THANKS
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONCERN AND I WISH YOU SUCCESSFUL WORK
PUPILS OF ALEPPO UNIVERSITY (KURDISH PUPILS)
Submitted by: PUPILS
E-mail: yaser@hotmail.com
Date: October 20, 2002
Subject: LOVE THIS SITE.
I LOVE THIS SITE. G MEN MAKE UNA COMMOT OOO!!!
Submitted by: MUGU JOE,LAGOS,NAIJA
E-mail: MUGUJOE@GUY.COM
Date: October 19, 2002
Subject: All of you, please read
All of You! You are so blind that why this "conflict" occured?
You think that the barbarian western (yeah barbaian, Imperialism, Colonisation, 1st World War, 2nd World, Genocide of Jews, Genocide of Tuaregs in Algeria, Crusade these all non-humanistic concepts are YOURS!!!!!!) wants to help Kurds having a land just for self-determination cencept, huh????
THEY ARE GOING TO EXPLOIT YOU ECONOMICALLY, POLITICALLY AND ASSIMILATE YOU! NOT THE TURKS! Be open-minded! did PKK use tank mines produced in Italy? Why did PKK/KADEK (they are the same, it's a fact) is not outlaw? Why the Europeans backs Kurds???? If the "minority" is the point (Kurds is not a minority group, be realistic. An individual from minority can't be a president in a country among the majority. Ozal proved this...) there are so many minorities that do not have land! (And think! If all the minorities have country in the world, how many countries will exist? 2000? or 5000?)
An example:
Do you think that the Turks in the Germany -the heartland of Europe- have the right to have satellites? Allthough it's officially allowed, practically it's prevented? Do you know minister of internal affairs of Germany, Otto Schilly said "I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR LANGUAGE THAT IS SPOKEN IN GERMANY"???? Open your eyes! Westerns are just wanna exploit you! It's all why they are playing the role of "saver of the human rights and democracy". Read a bit on Geostrategy, Sociostrategy!
We live in Turkey in peace. Eventhough PKK/KADEK killed over 35.000 (official) Turks and Kurds! Eventhough Westerns try to seperate Turkey! And we will live in peace. No matter someone tries to prevent this! I wanna tell you again: Read a bit on Geostrategy, Sociostrategy!!!!!
Submitted by:Emrah/Tu?rk1915
E-mail: emrahbesci@engineer.com
Date: October 11, 2002
Subject: War rings are ringing
Main reason for the so-called fight on terrorism is oil. Supplies that U.S. needs are going down. The main oil resource that has not been used is in Kerkuk and Musul. British aim is to give the land to Kurds in exchange of oil. British and Americans will give armaments in exchange of oil.
Dangerous part is ringing right here. If Western countries let kurds declare independence, Turkish army will invade Musul and Kerkuk. British and Americans will start an embargo against Turkey. Great ha! Turkey will have to start using its own resources, which will increase the production.
Wake up people, Western society is using kurds as an element to achieve their own prosperity.
Submitted by: alper
Date: October 06, 2002
I am hoping you may be able to help me. I am a postgraduate student studying for an MA at the School of Oriental and African Studies (Bloomsbury, London) in the Anthropology of Media. What the course consists of, at least as far as I'm concerned, is investigating the use of various media by individuals and community members who, in the past may not have had access to the means of production.
In my undergraduate dissertation I considered how the representation of Aotearoan/New Zealand Maoris in tourist sites and in museums may affect how 'they' are viewed as individuals and a community. For my postgraduate dissertation I want to look at how people make use of media themselves to voice their own political and social demands. The reason for my interest in the Kurdish community is down to having made the area around Green Lanes, Haringey my home for the last four years, and therefore seeing the ways certain members of the community are able to articulate their concerns through TV, sport, newspapers, the internet, music and so on.
I really do need help at a variety of levels, not least in finding people to talk to, but also in knowing which media, or which political concerns to investigate, and would greatly appreciate any advice and/or time you could offer me
peace to I and I,
Mhairixxx
Submitted by: Mhairi McGhee
E-mail: missmhairimcghee@hotmail.com,
Date: October 03, 2002
Subject: loved it
i just want u to know thati realy liked ur web site i'm a kurdish girl and very interasted in kurdish history and u site is ... i would say is perfect i wish u the best and i will tell all my friend
hata jareky ter xuda havis
Submitted by: balen
E-mail: balenabdulla@hotmail.com
Date: October 03, 2002
It is very informative. I like it!
Submitted by: Aleksandra
E-mail: sandra@geckonet.net
Date: October 02, 2002
Subject: photography
i as a photographer think that this site is great and i wish you can make it better. i think it will be good if you can buy photos about kurdistan today and be like a photo agency. i haven't seen the book yet but i like the site.
regards
Submitted by: babak sedighi
Date: October 2, 2002
E-mail: babak_photo@yahoo.com
Subject: re ; just interested in the Kurds
The sites great. I have quite a lot of old books on kurdistan, some French others are in German. i will keep looking for interesting photos, which may add too your site.
Submitted by: Shona Dougall
E-mail: scorpioid9t@blueyonder.co.uk
Date: October 02, 2002
Subject: fotografo
ok. muy buena web y muy buenas fotografias
[English translation: ok. very good website and very good photographs.]
Submitted by: Jose Rios Lopez
Date: September 29, 2002
E-mail: http:usuarios.lycos.es/cuatroesquinas
Subject: Trorrist country as IRAN
If the United States attacks Iraq, they must bomb Iran too becasue the terorrist country of Iran is behind all terorrists all over this world including Israel. Iran is a terrorist country who helped the terrorist Islamic criminal organization behind 11 September and I wish the United States will attack this other terrorist country of Iran, but I wish must of all that Israel would attack this terrorist Evil country of Iran.
Date: September 16, 2002
Subject: pistures
it's a very interesting website just keep doing it the right way
Submitted by: mj
Date: September 14, 2002
E-mail: miguelvij2yahoo.com
HADEP DESERVES ALL SUPPORT FROM DEMOCRATICALLY MINDED
KURDS AND TURKS IN COMING ELECTIONS !
In recent years Turkey have faced profound political, economic and social crisis. The esatblishement is not able to solve the key issues in the country ,which no dout the main among them is unrsolution of Kurdish question. Now inspite all methods and intimidation, a political party have come to political arena which could put in the right path of democratisation and social harmony.
So vote HADEP if you are in favour of a united democratic Turkey and a free Kurdistan.
A turkish friend, believing in Kurdish civic Nationalism.
Submitted by: A friend of Turks
Date: August 30, 2002
Subject: Suleymania University
I am Austrian political scientiest, who would be grateful for contact e-mail adresses at Suleymania University, Dptm for Poltical Science, International Relations or Sociology
with best regards
Submitted by: D.Vogl PhD
Date: August 22, 2002
E-mail: dorisvogl@hotmail.com
I am 18. i have been in america since 1900. i miss my country.
i am raised n america, but i'll die in kurdistan.
Submitted by: saad emin
Date: August 14, 2002
Subject: FOR KURDISH GIRLS & BOYS
FOR ALL PEOPLE:
MORE than 2000 years ago jesus in bible taught all people to live together,in peace, to stop any war. He taught all to be kind, to be true, honest.
But now what do we see every day? Look at my great land ((KURDISTAN)),look at the KURDISH living conditions. All people know that kurdistan is rich country, and its people are work diligently, but thair living conditions are deplorable & regrettable.
This is a world that we live in. I think it is better that i say this is a jungle that mankind lives in. what law? which law? who man can tell that this world is worthy and is count for human place?
my friends you most change these conditions. You most know if we want be win in our fights with our land's occupiers. we most first ready our people's sight and perspectives about the world arround of them. they must know that thay are a nation with golden history. many are kurdish yet don't believe to this or don't know this. So all kurdish youth most try to change their visions. We most try to give them information about their location, land, origins & ... first I hope that all kurdish youth especially girls do to themselves duty and task.
WITH WISHES TO WIN OUR HISTORICAL AND NATIONALITY FIGHT AGAINST WILD ENEMIES : TURKY, IRANIAN, IRAQI & SYRIANS STATES.
VIVA KURDISTAN
VIVA KURDISH.
Submitted by: soran salim
Date: August 11, 2002
E-mail: soran_salimi2002@yahoo.com
Subject: to proud turkish girl
to a proud turkish girl.
I think that you most open your eyes and look at the world around of you and find this fact that in this time in 21th century no state, no body, no goverment and no people don't have this right that disowned the truth of presence of other people like ((kurdish people)).
if you look at the history be sure that you find many new things.
Be sure that kurdish people just ask their right and no thing additional. you most not study just yourselves. information that is full of falls. you are going to discover many referense in many countries in all of world.
You most know that my mother was turkish and my papa is kurdish but always i accept both of their opinions, and now i accept this that i've to fight for kurdish against their enemies.
I hope one day you get on a true and best way for living and thinking.
soran salimi
Submitted by: soran salimi
Date: August 10, 2002
E-mail: sora_salimi2002@yahoo.com
To the person who calles her self with "a proud turkish girl":
You already said it: there will always be people who think like you and who say the same garbage as you. This is the reason why we will never live in peace. People like you are spreading hatered toward a culture which is over 9000 years old and toward people who only want to have the right to practice their own language, their own culture in their own country (like you) and finally to those who (like you) are proud of calling them selfs KURDS.
Submitted by: A very proud kurdish man
Date: August 7, 2002
Ta A proud Turkish Girl !
You have every right to be proud of your identity. But this right does not give you the right to the deny the rights of the others, in this case kurds!
Please think for a moment and imagine a situation that you are free from any prejudice towards kurds, and then I am sure you feel more secure about your identity. Now we are living in an era which conflicts and disputes could be resolved by civilised means. So why not join this line of thinking. If the full rights of kurds to their national Identity, culture, language as equal citizens in Turkey are met, you yourself have a broader preospective about a harmonised future.
Not Hate, but sisterhood !
Good luck
Submitted by: KURD
Date: August 6, 2002
Subject: Few words: Get real
There is NO country called Kurdistan!!!!!
Come back to reality!! Earths calling!!
To thoose who think that the Kurds should have their own schools, TV, radio etc etc.. Do you really think that they are going to stop asking for more, don't you realise that they want almost the whole country (Turkey)..??
I AM a PROUD TURKISH GIRL.. who is against Kurds who supports PKK!! And to thoose who says that Turks are full with haterd, it si not the Turks who are full with haterd it is you Kurds!! Kurds wants other to feel bad for them, so they tell bad things about us Turks!! You say that you wanna live in peace..do you really mean for real, do you think it is going to be peace between Turks and Kurds who hate us-wants half of our country-and make us look like the bad guys!?!? Get real!! I know there are people whose against me because I say this few words, but there are always going to be peolpe like me who knows the tuth...
To Orhan: you said it all; to HELL with them!!
Submitted by: A Proud Turk
Date: August 2, 2002
Subject: "Turks"
No one in Turkey is allowed to call themselves turks because you who live in turkey are osmans. The real turks are long gone, thanks to the killer osmans who only knew how to be savages!
Only kurds who live in Turkey can live there, the Osmans belong in the south of Asia.
Submitted by: No Name,Just the truth
Date: July 22, 2002
Subject: My ,and our history
Well, it's hard to put into words what this site has done for my soul. My Kurdish soul was wasting away in the cool shadow of "the new world". I live in Norway and haven't seen Kurdistan since 1998. That visit made me understand just how much I missed belonging to a certain place. To have a land you can call your own is priceless! But I can't really call it "My own," because Kurdistan is devided and it cuts deep into my soul to realise that.
I'll try till the day I die to bring together all the bits and pieces of my history, our history, because it Kurdistan belongs to all of us.
I hope you'll all help me fight the indifference and keep fighting.
Submitted by: An 18 year-old girl
Date: July 11, 2002
Subject: site improvement suggestion
This is a wonderful site!!! a real living history! Just one simple suggestion--add a HOME link to your navigational scheme.
Submitted by: kathry brett
Date: July 7, 2002
E-mail: kvbrett@cox.net
Subject: fake history
dear sirs
i am a kurd who has studied the official histories and political events. i think i can lead you to the truth by some comments and questions.
-who and where are the natives of ilam-medes-acheminian-sasanian-ayoubian-zand destinies, while their main capitals-stone impliments-relics are in kurdish lands. how did the people of all these destinies disappear from this area? and how did kurds without any footprint in the history captured all these lands?
-the cloth of persian before islam was long dress. why execpt half of men in acheminian stone impliments other men in stone impliments of before islam are worn trousers (like present kurdish trousers)
-why do people think that acheminian-sasanian or other destinies in (modern iran) is equal to persian empire? it is difficult to believe that other ethenic groups in this region had no role in the history and that it was always the persians rulling other ethnic groups.
-if actualy the persians were the rulers all the time, they must have a perfect culture amoung other ethnic groups in this region. while the kurds-turks-gilacs-baluchs-arabs-turkmen have their specific language-music-dances-foods-clothes and habits, but you can not find any of these particulars among so called persians (even official persian language is 60% arabic-30% persian and kurdish 10% other languages). even the cities which are considered as persian cities are young cities with mixed population of all ethenic groups. in the central part of iran where there are little historical relics belong to before islam.
-all ethnic groups in age of kurds such as cepatics-barberian-assyrian-syrian and many others have been denied or renamed by modern powers, enabling new players of history to create a new order for the world for which they used modern weapons to draw new borders to create nation states by new names. they shared the lands and natural sources of old nations amoung themselves. to cover this action culturally they shared the history and glory of old nations among themselves. now an arab in iraq or syria is proud of what assyrian-syrian-kurds have done in the history. religious leaders in tehran who obviously claim that are grandsons of islam prophet (an arab) are proud of what illam-medes-acheminian and other destinies have done in the history. a turk in turkey is proud of what bisans-armenian-kurds have done in the history.
-if kurdistan was an island the same thing as indian in south and north america and natives of australia was taking place in kurdestan. but the kurds are in the geographcal center of the world. their population, habites, culture are different from indian in america or australia. so, the method of modern powers is different. their role in history must be denied and given to a population of mixed ethenic groups in this area to be proud of it as national identity.
their culture must be denied. their language must be considered as a dialect of other languages or must be forbidden. they must be given different names to lose their origin after some generation, like lur-lak in iran. they must be moved by force to other places than kurdish lands. they must be welcomed by other countries to seek assylum in huge numbers to lose their identity after one generation forever. they must be considered as minority in iran-turkey-iraq-syria while any scientific research can not proof that population of persian in iran-turks in turkey-arabs in iraq-arabs in syria is larger than kurds population of all kurds lands. in the world of anti racism the kurds are exeptional nation because they did nothing since last 10000 years in the history. they can not be unified. they are fighting against each other all the time. they never build a city. they kill other people wildly without reson, just enough to find them. when small arab families are qualified to govern countries such as u.a.e-kuwait-qatar-bahrain, a historical nation with larger population than many countries must prove that are human like other humans.
you see this is a new version of what happened to indian and other old nations.
the mystry of endless conflicts in the middle east is this point. the power of modern weapons in the hands of minorities without background in the history of those lands and majorities which feels pressure from armed minority. stability in middle east is equal to confrontation of modern powers for markets in europe and america.
unstable middle east guarantee the control of modern powers over this region and acces to energy sources and markets.
Submitted by: hekmat morovat neshan
Date: July 7, 2002
E-mail: hekmat@iredco.com
Subject: Try to learn english
To the one who signed with "a man":
First you are well told to better learn english before you submitt responses to any website.
Second you better have a look on what is going in your country before you critisize the EU.
Looking forward hearing from you after you have visited an english course.
Submitted by: A woman
Date: July 7, 2002
Subject: USA and EU
Some people says here before Turks came Kurd were living here for thusands years so the lands are their right. OK..nobody says Kurds never lived here before Turks. But pls we dont forget: Turks fighted East Roman Empire to come to Anatolia (they have came here already years ago) ..it means Turkis didnt fight or killed direct any Kurds..because Kurds havent got thsir own country at that time.
OK???
So some people cant say the Turks came and got our lands..something like that...
And nobody knows from out of Turkey what do most of Kurds do to our life and cities in south and west Turkey.
anyway..Turks and Kurd can live together in peach..but USA and EU never want this..because they have no culture..no thsir own language...nothing about history..but kurds and turks have got it..so they want to delete both from the earth
Submitted by: A man
Date: July 7, 2002
Subject: Opinion from a non-kurd
Hi, my name is Alfred. I am an Austrian. When I grew up I did not even know anything about kurdish people. Now I am attending the university of Vienna so I am in contact with many people from different nationalities. In general I can say that turkish students cary a great hate toward kurds in them. I do not know why. On the other hand kurdish students try to not get in contact with turkish ones. I have tried to speak with both sites in order to understand whyt is going on. I think that kurdish people in Turkey (and Syria, Iran and Iraq) should have the right to speak in their own language and to practice their culture.
To all the turkish readers: imagine a place where you are allowed to eat, drink and live in it. The only thing is that you are not allowed to speak turkish. I bet that none of you would like to live in this place and this onl?y because of the language.
To all the writers who sign with "a turish citizen", I sounds to me very nationalistic what you are saying. Please try to put you self in the place of kurdish people. Stop racism.
Submitted by: Alfred Huber
Date: July 6, 2002
Subject: iam kurdi :)
i cant tell you how much this site is great. its wonderfull it make me sooooooooooooooo happy and proud for being a pure kurdish girl
i am proud ..............iam kurdi
Submitted by: shereen badrakhan
Date: July 3, 2002
E-mail: sevde662002@yahoo.com
Subject: The photo archive and so
First of all I would like to severely criticize this site's makers. Why? Just because of the way that they are walking along. Why you are always in the habit of destructing our harmony and long-lived shared history? What's your aim ? Me, myself could be a kurd,too. But what could make this so vital and understandable? In this know-how era? We want to live together. You are out of the issue OK? Don't put your noses in our common history....You are always scratching the scar not to be healed forever. CONGRATULATIONS!
Submitted by: e.ATMAN
Date: June 30, 2002
Subject: SOCCER
Hi to every one visiting this site !!!! As a Soccer fan I wrote a little comment here, But now when the competitions reach the final stages, I thought to add a few lines here. No doubt Turkey's squad showed a very good technical and joyful football in this tournment. It is a great pleasure to be included in the final four, although I think South Koreans on Saturday are going to beat Turkey's squad.
I congratulate you for your achievements so far, but the real joy must be translated in real life. So try to channel your feelings towards democratisation process in Turkey. Try to accept kurdish existance and culture. Say to decision makers in Turkey Enough is Enough or as you say " Artik Yeter" ! If you respect kurdish existance and rights ,life be much easier for everyone, including the Turkish military who are the real decision makers. Last but not the least. BRAZIL IS DESERVED TO BE WORLD CHAMPION!!
Submitted by: RONKURDO
Date: June 26, 2002
E-mail: fadike2001@yahoo.com
Subject: Soccer
The joy and excitement in winning Football matches should be accompanied by the necessity of initiation of democratic reforms in Turkey!
I am Kurdish national and a football fan. Turkey after qualifying from the first round of World Cup competition, tomarrow is going to meet Japon. I sincerely wish that Turkey will beat Japon, not out of any prejudice against Japanese side, but simply because the team of Turkey is playing European football which is more refined tthan Japanese football. If Turkey can manage that then in the next round it will face Senegal, which again I do not think it will be difficult for Turkey to beat!
What is difficult right now for Turkey and in actual life is to bow for the imperitives of democratic reforms. So The Turkish football fans while celeberating these would be won matches must raise their voice higher for immediate political and social reforms. The issues which must be attanded in the first place are: 1- an unconditional amnsty for political prisoners. 2- abolishment of Death penalty 3- Recognition of Kurdish existance and cultural identity 4- A social impartial debate of resolution of Kurdish question.
It is not logical to play good in football field, but make terrible performance in the political field!
Submitted by: Fadike
Date: June 17, 2002
E-mail: fadike2001@yahoo.com
Subject: My dear Khaleed ;)
Dear Khaleed, I totally agree with u!! Thank u so much for understanding me, and agreeing with me!!! This world needs people like you!! U take care of ur self and keep up the positive attitude!! I am very proud to be u'r fellow humanbeeing Khaleed!!! ;)
Submitted by: Irem
Date: June 14, 2002
E-mail: irem_83@hotmail.com
Subject: To Fadike
Dear Fadike, I read u'r comment to me, and I am afraid u have misunderstood me. I do not see myself or my people as superior to anybody. We are all equal. I think u have chosen to understand my comment the way U feel is right. I advice u to read it over once again.. Yes I am proud of being a turk, arent u proud of u'r nationality? That does not mean that u think that u r superior to others. I really can't understand how u can interpret my comments the way u have chosen to. I dont see a connection between what u r writing snd my thougts... Idont think u r the right person to talk about respect and eqality, as far as I can see u seem to point out the differences between the ethnic groups. When I am in Turkey I see all the people as one, we all live togeather in a country with major problems. It really doesnt matter what ethnic group u belong to. And this site is a proof of the diffrences people are trying to point out. I know that we all need to be in touch with our culture and so on, but why cant we try to see the differenses as a enrichment instead of as a problem. We can learn form eachother. That is one of the sides of the globalisation.. (im not saying that globalisation is always positive..) I read ur comment over and over again and I have to say that u do the same mistake that u claim I have done. The fact that kurds have been suppressed does not give them the right to use voilence to gain their rights. That goes for the turkish goverment too.
I really believe in the theories of the great politician Machiavelli. We need to accept the situation as it is today and then try to make it better for both sides.
Like I said Fadike (that is ur name right?) u really should read through my comment one more time, and then read trough u'r comment and im sure u will see that u have interpret my comment wrongly! U take care!!!
Submitted by: Irem
Date: June 14, 2002
E-mail: irem_83@hotmail.com
Subject: For turks and Kurds friendly
Pkk killed 600.000 turks in turkey... is it a normal situation for Kurds. I am a Turk. Kurds and Turks have a father. He is Mustafa Kemal AtatY?Nrk. He didn't killed any Kurds. He is a real leader. But Abdulla ?calan is a murder. He have to go to Lahey Law Court. But I agree with Kurds. We have to get your rights. Again like Ottomans and Ataturk, we are your friends. But ABD and Europe dont want to be our friends again, because they dont like our's developing. I want to have a kurdish friend. Please meet me with your mails.
Date: June 10, 2002
E-mail: cakin1984@hotmail.com
Subject: death of turkish victims
What do you think about Abdullah Ocalan?
Submitted by: Geroge
Date: June 10, 2002
E-mail: cakin1984@hotmail.com
Subject: people togher
you are right soccer fan. I am with you. all people in the world are human and the world cup shows people are together.
Submitted by: friend of peace
Date: June 3, 2002
Subject: The World Cup
The World Cup 2002
I just finshed watching the game between Brazil - Turkey. Although there are many reason to be more sensitive about Turkey's play , but I was almost certain that Brazil will win. The things went as I anticipated. I must say Turkey played a good soccer and organised a good defence, but the behaviour of some players especially the shooting of a dead ball to the chest of a brazilian player which made the culprit to get a red card and leave the field! This kind of behaviour remind one of the conducts of those forces in Turkey that are not bowing for democratic change. The preformance of Hasan Tas the one who scord the only goal of turkey matched to the standards of fair-play. It is high time to see the rulers in Turkey to preform a fairplay in political field as well!
Long Live soccer
Long live freindship between peoples, including those who are represented in Korea/Japon.
Submitted by: A soccer fan
Date: June 3, 2002
Subject: To Irem
A little comment on Irem's Views:
You rightly point out that you are proud to be a Turkish girl, but some where in your remarks you imply to be superior to others, although you talk about your principled belief in kurdish rights. You make conditional the right of kurdish people for their identity, and still you try to make your remarks progressive. As far as you have not come to point to accept kurds full equality with yours, still you have steps to be taken in order to have respect for concepts such as freedom and equality.
If the kurds are recognised as free citizens, an if the Turkey free itself from the notion of one dominante ethnicity and if the constitution of Turky become de-ethincised, then you will be in a position to be believed when you talk about respect for kurdish rights.
Believe me, if the rights of kurds are fully recognised abd respected, the integration and harmony in societies of Turkey and Northern Kurdistan will increse and be strengthened.
If you are prepared for further debate, you are welcome!!
Submitted by: A friend
Date: May 28, 2002
E-mail: fadike2001@yahoo.com
Subject: Irem you are greet turksh frin
Irem, you are very good girl and intelegent and nice. I think all people in the world are human and brother and sister, not one better than other. My dear Irwm I love very much kurdish and turksh life like brother and sister, not hate each other. I dont like the word hate because all of us are brother and sister and I hate politics and never interested in this subject. all are human and god bless you dear Irem. long live peace and humaninty.
Submitted by: khaleed
Date: May 26, 2002
Subject: Brothers and sisters
First of all I want to point out that we can not judge a whole people or country based on what is written on these pages. I'm a proud TURKISH girl, who supports the kurds in many areas: speaking their language, broadcasting on TV and radio, education in their language etc etc... They have the right to be treated the way the ethnic populations are being treated (not only in Turkey but Syria, Iraq, Iran). But to demand a part of a country, which is later going to be a part of their own country... I dont think so. That goes against a country's integrity, which is one of the most important factors for a nation. It can not be toyed with... Turkey is a nation, a country just like Norway, Denmark, Spain, China etc you can not ask, or demand for these countries to give up a part of themself. Its not realistic. I come from a socialistic famly, and we have many kurdish friends. But when we get togeather we don't point out each others differences, we stay focused on what we have in common!!
And to all the americans (USA) commenting on this web site: U r the last ones to open your mouth and criticize nations for being cruel!! I dont think i have to sum up all the cruelty u'r nation has caused the world.. (Chile, Afganistan, Iraq, Iran, Vietnam, PALESTINE etc..) U think u own the world, u think u r the world police trying to "make peace" in the world. U r trying to force ur liberalistic thoughts upon nations: IMF, The Marshall Plan during 2. world war.. I could go on... But then agian, this is not a criticisim to all americans, I respect u all as a people, but this is to ur goverment (that poor, stupid, wannabe cowboy George W. Bush)
And to u jew and turk haters commenting on this site!! How dare u use an FASCISTIC ideologi while commenting!! Thats the ideology runining this world, not giving us a chanse to live togeather in peace. Because u put some "races" up and others down!! And that the ideology that keeps turks and kurds from living togeather in peace. I dont think the thoughts of nationalsit turks r right, but I dont think the thoughts of nationalist kurds r right either.. The kurds in Turkey MUST have the same rights as the turks, but the kurds must accept that they live in a nation that belongs to the ethnic turks. Now I dont want it to sound like the kurds r immigrants because they r not, they have lived there for generations, thats their country too, but it is what it is today.. Am I making any sence?... Please let us live togeather as brothers and sisters in this short an cruel life..
Submitted by: Irem
Date: May 26, 2002
E-mail: irem_83hotmail.com
Subject: HATERS
ALL YOU TURKS THAT ARE SO CRULE ARE NOTHING BUT HATERS. THEY THINK THEY ARE THE BEST IN THE WORLD AND THEY THINK THAT THE KURDISH PEOLPE BELONG TO THEM BUT THEY ARE VERY WRONG THEY DONT HAVE ANEYTHING THAT REALLY BELONGS TO THEM THEY THINK THAT WE TOOK OVER THERE COUNTRY BUT THEY TOOK OVER OUR COUNTRY I THINK THE TURKISH PEOPLE ARE VERY BAD THEY ARE VERY SELFCENTERD THE TURKISH PEOPLE CAME FROM OTHER COUNTRIES AND THEY KEEP TAKING OVER OTHER COUNTRIES. ITS REALLY SAD THAT THE UNITED STATES IS ON THERE SIDE AND THEY DONT EVEN DO ANITHING FOR US AND I DONT GET WHY CANT WE HAVE OUR COUNTRY .CATCH YOU LATER
Submitted by:
Date: May 24, 2002
turkey does not have its own country. all of the turks came from tatar and maguals and took over our country kurdistan
Date: May 21, 2002
Subject: the only trut about turks and
HELLO, I AM A KURD. I DONT THINK I COULD EVER BE AS CRUEL AS THE TURKS. FOR THOSE WHO DONT KNOW, THE TURKS ARE THE REASON THAT WE STILL DONT HAVE OUR OWN COUNTRY. I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE TURKS ARE FULL OF HATRED. I HOPE THAT THE TURKS KNOW WE ARE NOT GIVING UP. NO MATTER HOW HARD THEY TRY, WE WILL NOT QUIT. US KURDS ARE NOT QUITTERS. WE HAVE NEVER DAMAGED THE TURKS, OR THEIR LAND. THEY ARE THE ONES THAT HAVE DONE THE DAMAGE. IF THE TURKS WERE NOT HARD-HEADED WE COULD ALL LIVE IN PEACE. I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY THE TURKS, ARABS, AND IRANIAN ARE DOING THIS TO THE KURDS. IS IT BECAUSE THEY THINK WE ARE STUPID AND THAT WE WILL STAND AND SEE OUR PEOPLE SUFFER. THE TURKS ARE NOT STRONGER THEY ONLY THINK THEY ARE. I HOPE THEY KNOW THAT. ONE OF THESE DAYS WE ARE GOING TO GET OUR FREEDOM. THATS A PROMISE WE WILL NEVER BREAK. BY THE WAY, WHAT TRUTH, AND WE ARE NOT CALLED KINDS OF PEOPLE, WE ARE CALLED KURDS!!!! LET THIS BE A LESSON TO EVERY TURK. ITS KIND OF SAD THAT A 10 YEAR OLD WROTE THIS. DONT YOU AGREE? I HOPE PEOPLE GET A CHANCE TO READ WHAT I HAVE TO SAY. THANKS A LOT
Submitted by: A PROUD KURD
Date: May 21, 2002
Subject: Common Sense
A little note for the attention of signed common Sense!
Reading your comment on the question of kurdish rights, contrary to what you imply, there is hardly any reason to accept that you have a common sense. You refer people to a site which is full of hatered and fabricated news about the humanetarian and democratic struggle of kurdish poeple in Turkey and Northern Kurdistan. You base your argument ethnisity , claiming that the one who belong to your "race" are stronger. This is not the case. In logical arguments there are no room for hatered and prejudice. There is a kurdish reality wether me and you like it or not. If you help to solve the question through understanding and mutual respect, you do more for your ideals. So try to have common sense, and free yourself from the racial evil.
For friendship between Turks and Kurds.
Submitted by: Atila
Date: May 20, 2002
Sad, You are just spending your time. The fact is that Turkiye is an indivisible country where people live in peace and will live in peace forever. You and your kind of people can not be able to change this fact. I invite you to stop this sort of lies. Tell people the truth. Tell reality of your terrorism.
Check out this http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/3403/pkk1.htm, even though you do not care .pls be aware we, turkish youth, are stronger than you and swear to prevent you and your kind of people to damage our country.
Be aware, whatever you do, truth is known by people.
Submitted by: Common sense
Date: May 20, 2002
Subject: ?want order this book
i believe thatthis book is very, very usefull and successful. We learn the reality about Kurdish people and Kurdish history by yours. Eternal thanks to friend of the real Kurds:))
Submitted by: Ahmet Han
Date: May 20, 2002
E-mail: ahanguven@yahoo.com
The Kurdish people do not need terrorist facist friends in European or United States becasue all of them are Kurdish people's enemy. They have Kurdish blood in their hands and I hope the kurdish people in Europe or united states take distance from the criminal facist societies of Europe and United States.
Date: May 16, 2002
This site is prepared to delete Kurds, Turks, Arabs and Fars'es from middleeast. They dont want to get us together but they are making europe one nation and one goverment. as they give afghanistan to the afghans. if they give phelestane to Arab's and if they give our goverments to us, they can say 'we want a free Kurdistan' but they only want to take a better control in middleeast. Stay to gether Ya ummet-i Muhammed!
Date: May 16, 2002
Subject: country
I think if the Turks were open minded they could live with the Kurds in peaceful environment, unfortunately, they are not. This website is a great way for people to get to know what is really happening to Kurds. US KURDS are not giving up for our freedom, there will always be a Kurd who will not stop until KURDISTAN is a COUNTRY.
THANKS
Submitted by: A Kurdish Citizen
Date: May 15, 2002
Subject: about human rights
DEAR KURDS, I wish you good luck in getting your country. I think, all the people have the right to have their own country, and do not have to ask other governments for their land. Don't give up!
DEAR TURKISH, (IRAQI, IRANIANS, SYRIANS, etc.),
Don't persist in your vestigial imperial bents - you'll have nothing but headache because of your useless obstinacy. Believe me, you will not succeed. It's absolutely impossible to kill a national spirit. Some ten years ago no Soviet republic could even thought about independence.
DEAR ALL,
Don't you think it could be weird if, say, France invades, say, Belgium, or Romania takes Hungary? Don't Kurds have the same rights as Belgians or Hungarians? I think, the question is rhetoric.
Kind regards,
A European citizen
Submitted by: alexandru ciobanu
Date: May 15, 2002
E-mail: alick101@hotmail.com
Subject: HOW KURDS COULD BE STAMPLED AS
Many others with me have in several occassions pointed out to the fact that insulting and humilation against others doe not do any thing good for kurdish cause and kurdish reality. Now the decision by European Union to put PKK in its "list of terrorist organisations" is not accepted by any modern and just creteria.
1- The kurds represented by PKK have been a victim of a state terror since the eatbalishment of Modern Turkey, the most clear example of that is linguicide. 2- PKK has never ever have done any harm to political or economic interests of neither USA nor EU. 3- The decision makers in USA and EU should have a sound judegement about the extent of attachment of kurdish masses to the PKK, the most recent example of that was NEWROZ demonstrations in different cities and towns in Northern Kurdistan and Turkey. 4- PKK having analised the present situation in the region and in the world scale has abodoned the armed struggle and have disolved itself into a new formation which seeks a peaceful and political solution for kurdish issue. Taking into account the above mentioned arguments one can doubt the intentions of EU. On one side making conditional the accepting of Turkey into EU to the respecting of human-rights (meaning the accepting of the exitance, identity and culture of the kurds) and at the other hand declaringthe legitimate representitive of Kurdish peopl as a "terrorist" movement. KADEK " The Congress for Freedom and Democracy of KUrdistan" has deplored this decision.
NO TO THIS UNJUST DECISION
ABOLISH THAT RIGHT NOW
Submitted by: BIJI KADEK
Date: May 5, 2002
E-mail: BIJI KADEK
LA GAL REZU SALAWM ZORM PEXOSHA SARE REZM DABNWENM BO AM MANDUBUNU ZAHMATA ZORAY AM NUSARA KA BAM XZMATAY NATAWAY KURDE KARZARE DASTU KALAME XOE KRDUWA BOYA MNSH WAKU KURDEKE AWARA SARE REZE BO DAANWENM HAR SHADU LASH SAGU KAMARAN BN SUPAS M.QAZI
[Translation of above Sorani Kurdish:] With my greetings and respect, I appreciate (I bow to) all the efforts and hardship this writer has undertaken, and has served the Kurdish people. I, as a refugee Kurd, bow to all the efforts you have made. Wish you all happiness and health. M.Qazi
Submitted by: QAZI MUHAMMED
Date: April 19, 2002
Subject: A proposal
I have a suggestion for a healthy debate on kurdish question, specially with those visitors who up till now have just used unfriendly words vis-a-vis kurds, which by doing so curb the way for a mutual understanding based of acceptance and tolerance.
At the same time it is necessary to discuss the content of "In The Shadow of History" further...
Thanks all
Submitted by: AWAN
Date: April 11, 2002
E-mail: fadike2001@yahoo.co.uk
Subject: very god
it is very good webpage. i came to it to know about kurdish history, and i hope you can add more info about kurds in the iraq and anther cities.
if any help, my webpgae is www.redstaing.net, email below.
Submitted by: goran al kurrdy zanganer
Date: April 10, 2002
E-mail: dark0@ofir.dk
Subject: hi
hi, my name is rawshan al-kurdi. i am kurdish. my family lived at jordan for long time and now don't know any thing about my pepole (the kurds). so plz, if you could send to me on my e_mail some information with photes about the kurds culture and traditions.
if you could also provid me at the mean time with an information about the neroz.
yours, rawshan.
[Webmaster's Note: Vistitors, please feel free to send Rawshan resource information about the Kurds. We've sent him some as well.]
Submitted by: rawshan
Date: April 9, 2002
E-mail: rawshan80@yahoo.com
Subject: :(
http://www.turkishforum.com/pkk/img/photos/bebek_katili1.jpg pls look at that photo and think twice who is right and who is wrong!!!!!
Submitted by: ORHAN
Date: March 19, 2002
Subject: :(
1992 June 24 1992: In the Seki village of Batman province, PKK forces killed ten, including seven children and a seventy-year old woman. June 29, 1992: Near the Yolbasti village of Bitlis Province, PKK forces stopped a minibus and executed 10 individuals. October 11, 1992: In the Uludere district of Sirnak province PKK forces killed eleven individuals in a rocket attack against the homes of village guards. Among those killed were six children and a ninety-year old woman. October 20,1992: Near the Hazarsah village of Bingol, PKK forces stopped a minibus and machine gunned its occupants killing nineteen and wounding six.
1993 May 24, 1993: PKK forces stopped a bus carrying unarmed army recruits and machine gunned them all, murdering thirty-six individuals. June 16, 1993: In the Yaylacik village of Mardin, PKK forces killed six individuals, including four children. July 5, 1993: In a raid against the Basbaglar village of Erzincan province, PKK forces executed thirty persons and burned fifty-seven houses. August 4,1993: In the Mutki district of Bitlis, PKK forces stopped six minibuses and executed nineteen individuals and wounded an additional thirteen. August 4,1993: In a raid against the Konakbasi settlement of Bingol province, PKK forces killed eleven individuals, including eight children between the ages of two and twelve and a seventy-yen old man. September 17, 1993: In a raid against the teachers' club in the Egin district of Diyarbalir, PKK militants executed six civil servants. October 12,1993: PKK forces murdered twenty-two individuals, fourteen of whom were children and eight women, in a raid on the Derince village or Siirt. October 25, 1993: PKK forces murdered thiry-eight individuals, including three children, in the Yavi town of Cat district, Erzurum. December 12, 1993: In a raid against the Agackonak village of Adiyaman province, PKK forces killed 13 people, including four women and four children.
1994 January 1, 1994: PKK forces stopped a minibus on the Diyarbakir-Elazig road and murdered eight individuals. January 22, 1994: In a raid against the Akyurek and Ormancik villages of Mardin province, PKK forces killed twenty individuals, including six children and nine women. May 15, 1994: PIKK Forces raided the Edebuk village of Erzincan province and murdered nine individuals, including a three-year-old child. June 19, 1994: In an attack against the family of a former PKK member, PKK forces killed the former member's mother as well as his five brothers and sisters, ranging in age from four to thirteen. July 20, 1994: PKK forces murdered eleven individuals after stopping vehicles on the Erzurum-Bingol road. August 10,1994: PKK members opened fire on a passing bus on the Van-Bahcesaray road, killing eleven, including three children, and wounding eight.
1995 Jannuary 1,1995: In a raid against the Hamzali village of Diyarbakir province, PKK forces killed nineteen individnals, including seven children and eight women. January 12, 1995: In a raid against the Narlica village of Diyarbakir province, PKK forces killed eight individuals, including two children and one woman. April 5, 1995: In a raid against a pasture in Hatay province, PKK militants murdered seven individuals. July 23, 1995: In a raid against the Akdogu village of Van province, PKK forces killed twelve individuals, including two children and six women. August 4, 1995:10 a raid against the Gazelusagi village of Hatay province, PKK fighters killed eight individuals, including four children. Another four individuals, including two children were wounded. September 5, 1995: In an attack against a mine in Hatay province, PKK forces murdered eight workers.
They were Human beings
Submitted by: ORHAN
Date: March 19, 2002
Subject: Traitors
There is no such a country named KURDISTAN there is only one TURKEY and we gonna live with good kurdish brothers not with u . you deserve to live in bad conditions because you re the traitors for kurdish and turkish people !!!
Submitted by: ORHAN
Date: March 19, 2002
Subject: happy nawroz to all kurdish
Happy newroz too all kurdish people around the world and in kurdistan I hope this year be a state kurdistan for all we kurdish people without they terrorists: PUK,PDK,PKK. Kurdistan must choose who is best for kurdistan not the bloody terorrist poltik party who only play with kurdish blood. bej kurd and kurdistan.
Date: March 19, 2002
Subject: A nationalist kurdish
Happy Kurdish & Iranian new year newroz to all kurdish and Iranian people and newroz only belong Kurdish and Iranian.
Date: March 13, 2002
Subject: about site
THANKS YOU GUYS I THINK THIS IS BEST WAY TO INTRoduce kurdish.i am so glad to find this site...
can you guys offer me best book about history of kurdistan sincerely...
Submitted by: serkan gunduz
Date: March 13, 2002
E-mail: serkangunduz@hotmail.com
this site is really cool because you learn lot's of things.
Submitted by: jacqueline martinez
Date: March 12, 2002
THIS SITE IS REALLY AWESOME AND AT THE SAME TIME EDUCATIONAL BECAUSE IT HAS LOTS OF MAPS, PICTURES, STORIES AND LOTS MORE. I ENJOYED RESEARCHING THIS SITE BECAUSE I'M LEARNING SOMTHING NEW ABOUT A NEW CULTURE
Submitted by: JAZMIN PATINO
Date: March 12, 2002
Subject: be realist
...as long as kurdish want to fight is as long that they will suffer more than the turkish. we were part of the othman empire and things were better then. nobody was able to attack us or dominate us before. after the fall of the othman, we were attacked by the french and then israel. my second point is if you divide you are much easier to be dominated by others. now my question to you as a kurdish: is it possible for you if you worked hard and have the ability to will to become the president like mr. ozal? if your answer is yes, then i think your fighting for nothing, on the contrary it will make it harder for other kurds to become what they want to be.
Submitted by: abdulinsiht
Date: March 11, 2002
Subject: do something positive
a little history would be important to know what constitute Turkey?
when the european came to divide the middle east they did not forget about saladeen and the kurds and how the difeated the crusader (euoropeans) so they decided they do not want united kurdish state so they decide to split it up, part stayed with turkey. they gave another part to iraq, they gave part of iraq to syria which have in it very small kurdish part and took part of syria and gave back to turkey to compensate for the kurdish part they gave to iraq. all in all they where equal. whose to say this part is better than the other, (less today maybe better tomarrow). know i'm a syrian arab who's origin 700 yrs ago came from andalucia (arabic spain). i do not ask for part of spain known to be arabic, nor do i consribe to the notion that andalucian berbers in syria should be a minority. i'm a syrian arab. nor do i ask turkey for iskandarun, because part of syria is not syrian like aljazeerah in northeast we do best with what we have, except if it was taken by war afcourse, because they take this peace today, and if you dont do anything they take another part and so on...
my point if you did not get it yet, you do best with what you got to the kurdish i say be a part of turkish society , there are a lot of comminality between you. try to improve your political situation by propogating freedom for all turks and poeple who live in turkey. worry less about dividing and more about freedom. if the later happen it will give you the freedom to speak kurdish when you want where you want. if you want to worry today about your political situation, you should worry more about the control of the military have on turkish society and part of the problem is your kurdish cause. by the way, i would've advised the same thing for the palastenians except the israealis dont want them to be part of their country, as do turkish want you to be part of turkey and the turkish society.
Submitted by: abdulinsight
Date: March 10, 2002
Subject: turks, kurds
Hi, I just wanted to say that Kurds have been killed by Turkish officers who think they are better than Kurds. The only reason they have our land is because we are rich in water, minerals, oil, The Turkish government does not want the Kurds to use this so he constantly kills our people. Turks and Kurds should be friends, I have no problems with Turks, only the Turkish government. It has been too long, too long holding our land and not letting the world realize what the Turkish government has done to this ancient people and their land. If it wan't for ATTATURK, there would be a KURDISTAN today!! ATTATURK was the mastermind of the Treaty of Sevres which wouldn't let the Kurds have autonomy.
AGAIN i would like to say that Turks and Kurds should be friends, and the only problem is the Turkish governmet..
Submitted by: Kardok Shafei
Date: March 9, 2002
E-mail: bignastyk@hotmail.com
To Sinasi Sallamas! It is really a pity that the way you evaluate things in a very old fashioned and unacceptable way. There is no religion or ideology in it is modern form to flag for superiority of an ethnic group over the other. If they do they are classified as oppresers. You seem to be quite ignorant how the New Turkey came about.The kurds need no rights from you.They are paving the way with people who are for a long lasting democracy in Turkey for a consensus based on mutual respect and official recognition of Kurdish existance as a partner in the Turkey and Northern Kurdistan.
Come to your senses.
Submitted by: A friend of Turkey
Date: March 7, 2002
Subject: WONDERING
could you tell me please who draws your maps as your maps are not true [webmaster note: please be sure to read the caption that preceeds the download of the map on this site] --how can you show kurdistan on the turkey? --and also i wanted to know are you a country on the world? --if yes; could you tell me your president your capital city and please i want to know what is the name of your money --look i m from turkey and there so many kurts are living there and we give them freedom but that is enough for you --YOU CAN NEVER GET ANY PART OF TURKISH PLACE NO LANGUAGE NO MORE FREEDOM --THE OTHER WAY IT WILL BE THE 3RD WORL WAR
Submitted by: SINASI SALLAMAZ
Date: March 7, 2002
E-mail: emrearac@hotmail.com
Subject: MISC.
OH MY GOD! CAN THE BLINDED NEVER SEE AGAIN, OR MAYBY THEY CAN. WE WERE ALL TOGETHER AT ONE TIME THE WHOLE WORLD, GOD SEPERATED US, LANGUAGE, AND SKIN TONE FOR WE ADVANCE TOO FAST AS ONE. OPEN YOUR EYES MY BROTHERS AND SEE.
Submitted by: NICK
Date: March 3, 2002
E-mail: OPENTHOUGHTZERO@AOL.COM
Subject: RESPOND TO A FRIEND OF TURK
I KNOW THAT TURKEY DOES NOT ALLOW THEIR LANGUAGE BUT THE BORDER OF TURKEY WILL BE TURKS. IF WE(TURKS, KURDS) WANT TO LIVE TOGETHER, WE HAVE TO UNITE WITHOUT ANY PREJUDICE AND WITHOUT ANY DEMAND OF LAND. AS I SAID BEFORE IF THEY WANT TO CREATE A COUNTRY OF THEIR OWN, TURKISH GOVERNMENT AND CITIZENS WILL NOT LET THEM DO ON THE TURKISH LAND. ON THE OTHER HAND I THINK WE HAVE TO TEACH TURKS HOW TO SPEAK AND RIGHT TURKISH IN OUR SCHOOLS AND JUDICIAL SYSTEM SHOULD ALLOW THEM TO TEACH KURDISH ON THEIR OWN. I WOULD LOVE TO LEARN KURDISH SO WE COULD DISCUSS ABOUT THESE TOPICS BOTH SIDES.AS AN ETHNIC I AM AGAINST GIVING KURD IDENTITY. WHO KNOWS THAT I AM NOT GREEK. MY GRANDFATHER MOVED FROM SELANIK AFTER W.W.I IF YOU ARE TURKISH YOU ARE TURKISH WITH A KURD ORGINITY.
THERE ARE SOME KURDS WHO LIVED IN TURKEY. Some have worked successfully within Turkey's political system. The late President Turgut Ozal was a Kurd, for example, as is Speaker Hikmet Cetin.
AS I SEE PROFANE LANGUAGE AGAINST TURKS IS NOT OMITTED. THIS IS THE LAST TIME VISITING THIS SITE. NO MATTER WHAT IS GOING ON WITH INTERNATIONAL POLITICS, TURKISH BORDER WILL BE TURKS. KURDISTAN IN THE BORDERS OF TURKEY WILL STAY AS DREAM FOR KURDS.
Submitted by: TURKISH CITIZEN
Date: March 1, 2002
To Turkish Citizen !
I read your lengthy comment, But still we have not reached the point which is common ground for our a constructive dialogue. Unfortunately you use the same jargon, which could not be taken as friendly. You speak about the war which continued in 15 years and you simplify it by calling it terroristm. You do not see the oppressive policies carried out daily by Turkish establishment against kurdish people. You do not see PKK as a body representing the desires and aspirations of million of your fellow citizens. In order to come to terms, we have to leave bihind the atrocities of war time. Now let us pave the way for a lasting peace.I am sure it will be acheived by recognition of Kurdish identity and kurdish culture.
So if you are prepared to discuss how the peace could be permanant and how the basic rights of kurds could be implemented so let us continue , otherwise repeating the language of the past can not further our discussion.
Submitted by: A friend of Turkey
Date: March 1, 2002
Subject: Mother
I've recently met someone from Kurdistan. We spoke at length, and I was embarrassed---I didn't even know where it was(although I'd "heard of" Kurds). Although I'm a reasonably intelligent person, I am a spoiled american; totally unaware of other cultures unless the media has been previously funded to shove it down my throat. My friend has described his homeland---mountains, forest, and cold, with no developement whatsoever---sounds beautiful and austere, and he is planning a trip to turkey to meet his parents (his mom especially),and bring them here to visit. He speaks of bringing sleeping pills, because while he waits the customary weeks to bring his parents through, he has no intention of spending any money in the turkish economy and would rather just sleep and do nothing. I appriciate his need to protest, or not contribute, in whatever way he can; my only experience as a female in a muslim country being less than ideal (brief visit to Morrocco--- nothing too intense, but a good barometer of social climate----but could any females' visit to a muslim country be ideal). He assures me that his mom will like me, and he says he comes from a family, and a culture of strong and strong-willed women. After exploring your site, I believe him! Historicly, the men are killed off, and the women must maintain the culture alone--jews, negro slaves, tibetan mothers. WE as women have fortunately been disregarded to keep the faith! I am from an american family with poor american roots and a multi-ethnic genetic background.
I used to think of myself as a firm feminist, defining myself by the fact that (and I could probably still find examples) women and men are entirely equal, thinking and responding the same to the same stimulus, but over time I realise we do not---Women and men have proven themselves totally inequal! Women may tear out each others' eyes & reputations, but I have yet to find---anywhere in history---where women have wiped out a culture. At least we understand the value of each child, and in understanding, are unwilling to sacrifice our children and cultures for personal gain.
I look forward to meeting my friends' mother, although I fear for thier lives in the process (how kind is turkey to kurds?) , and I'm told that she"ll like me because we are both "very strong women". As an american , I am ashamed of my ignorance, as a woman, I thank her for maintaining the ideal of strength under pressure. I hope she likes me. I've no way of knowing what she might expect to hope from me. She has been through so much, I would hate to dissapoint...
Submitted by: Linda Lee Bealer
Date: March 1, 2002
E-mail: goldfishbowling@yahoo.com
Subject: respond to a friend of Turk
I AM NOT GOING TO RESPOND TO THE KURD WHO IS CALLING NAME ON TURKS. YOUR LEVEL IS NOT MINE. YOU CAN SAY ANYTHING WHILE WE TURKS WORK HARD AND MODERNIZE OUR COUNTRY. I AM GLAD TO OPEN A DEBATE ON THIS MATTER FRIEND OF TURK.
I KNOW HAVING A MILITARY ORGANIZED GOVERNMENT IS NOT CORRECT ,BUT THE PROBLEM THAT TURKEY HAS DOES NOT FINISH WITH THE PKK TERRORIZM. WE HAVE DHKP-C WHERE THEY WANT TO CREATE COMMUNIST COUNTRY. THEY BURNED THEMSELVES IN THE JAIL WHICH SHOW THEIR CONDITION OF THEIR MIND. WE HAVE PROBLEMS WITH ARMENIA ABOUT ALLEGED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE WHICH HAS NO REALIZM. WE HAVE PROBLEM WITH EXTERIMIST IN RELIGION WHERE THEY WANT TURKEY TO BE LIKE IRAN WHICH IS HISBULLAH. THEY KILLED BUSSINESS MEN AROUND SIRNAK DIYARBAKIR AND KONYA AREA AND VIDEO TAPED IT THE TORTURE. AFTER THEY BURIED THESE INNOCENT PEOPLE IN THE BASEMENT.
WHEN YOU HAVE A COUNTRY LOGISTACLY VERY IMPORTANT TO THE WORLD, YOUR ENEMIES TEND TO REDUCE YOUR STREGTH.
"The kurdish people in Northern Kurdistan and Turkey are not a group of migrants to resettle in other planets in order to acheive their rights, they simply want peace in dignity and mutual respect" YES THIS IS CORRECT TO SOME INSTANCE BUT OVER THE TROUBLED AREA MOST OF THE KURDS LIVING IN NOW ARE REVUGES DURING THE GULF WAR. BEFORE THE GULF WAR STARTED SADDAM USED BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL WEAPONS ON NORTHERN IRAQ KURDS, AT THE TIME TURKEY LET 2.5 MILLION KURDS ENTER THEIR BORDERS. AFTER THE GULF WAR PKK INCREASED THEIR TERRORIZM OVER INNOCENT TEACHERS IN THE VILLAGES.YOU SAID OCALAN IS THEIR LEADER. FINE BUT HE LET PEOPLE KILL SOMEBODY WHO IS GIVING EDUCATION TO HIS ETHNIC PEOPLE.OUR RELIGION TELLS TEACH ME ONE THING I BE YOUR SLAVE FOR 10 YEARS. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO EXCEPT THE LOGICASTICAL LOCATION OF TURKEY.THE AREA KURDS ARE DEMANDING IS THE AREA WHERE GAP PROJECT IS LOCATED.SINCE THE GAP IS COMPLETED THE AREA IS EXPORTING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF FOOD TO EUROPE.PLUS THE OIL LOCATED AROUND DIYARBAKIR AREA IS IN THE CONSIDERATION TOO.WHERE IS THE RIGHTS FOR TURKS WHO HAD TO MOVE OUT FROM THEIR VILLAGES. WHAT ABOUT THE RIGHTS FOR KURDS WHO DID NOT FIGHT AGAINST TURKISH GOVERNMENT AND GET KILLED DURING THE TERRORIST ATTACKS.
LET'S TALK ABOUT EUROPE NATIONS.PERSONALLY I AM NOT PROCHOICE IN EURO NATION NOR AGAINST IT, BUT I HAVE DOUBTS. I THINK EURO NATIONS ACTING IN DOUBLE STANDARD.WHILE THEY ARE SAYING WE WANT YOU TO BE IN THE EURO UNION, THEY ARE ACCEPTING ALLEGED ARMENIAN GENOICE. GERMANY SUPPORTS KAPLANS UNTIL SEPTEMBER 11 BECAUSE THEY WERE AFRAID IT WOULD BOUNCE BACK.KAPLANS TRIED TO KILL ALL OFFICIALS OF TURKISH REPUBLIC DURING THE MEMORIAL OF OUR LEADER ATATURK WITH THE SAME APPROACH IN SEPT.11. THEY RENT SOME PLANE FILLED IT UP WITH TNTS ,BUT TURKISH INTELLEGENCE FOUND OUT BEFORE IT REALLY HAPPENED. IT WAS AROUND 1996 WHEN TURKISH OFFICIALS REQUESTED KAPLAN'S(ISLAMIC EXTERIMEST) CUSTODY, GERMAN GOVERNMENT DID ACT UP ON IT. IRONICALLY AFTER SEPT 11 THEY ARE CATOGIRIZED DANGEROUS GROUP IN THE GERMAN SOILS.
DON'T THINK ISLAMIC REVOLUTION IS WEAK. IT IS NOT AND IT IS THE ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS ISSUED THAT I AM AFRAID OF. IT HAPPENED IN ALL THE COUNTRIES AROUND TURKEY WHICH IS IRAN, SYRIA AND IRAQ ,AND EUROPE WANTS TURKEY TO BE LIKE THEM TOO.ALLEGIED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE IS ANOTHER ISSUE AND I DISCUSS IT WITH ANYBODY AND ANYTIME WITH AN APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE.
WHEN YOU HAVE PROBLEMS LIKE THIS AND WHEN WESTERN COUNTRIES SUPPORTING UNWESTERNIZED MINDS, YOU HAVE TO GIVE UP LITTLE FROM FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY. WHEN YOU HAVE SUCH COUNTRIES AROUND YOU AND WHEN THEY SUPPORT TERRORIST GROUPS, IT IS HARDER FOR YOU TOO HAVE PURE DEMOCRACY AND 100% HUMAN RIGHTS.IT IS VERY UNLIKELY FOR YOU TO GET IN TROUBLE IF YOU OBEY THE RULES OF THE COMMUNITY.AS I SAID I HAVE A KURD ETHNIC FRIEND, HE IS BAKING DONUTS AND HE IS NOT HAPPY ABOUT IT. I HAVE A FAMILY REALITIVE WHO IS KURDISH ETHNICITY TOO ,AND HE WON A TWO MILLION$ CONTRACT FOR IZMIR/KORDON COAST WALKWAY.PLEASE CHECK IBRAHIM TATLISES'S ETHNICITY AND HE IS MAKING MONEY THAT NOBODY IS MAKING AND HE DESERVES IT.
IF THINK AGGREGATE TURKISH DEMOCRACY. THERE ARE STILL ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE FIXED ,BUT TURKISH REPUBLIC AND CITIZENS CAN NOT FIX IT WITH THE ON GOING THREATS TO THE COUNTRY. ALL OF THE PROBLEM DO NOT RISE FROM TURKISH GOVERNMENT. WHAT ARE KURDS DOING TO IMPROVE THEIR STANDARD OF LIFE IN THEIR PROVIENCE ACCEPT FIGHTING? WHAT DID THEY ACCOMPLISH THAT IMPROVED THEIR STANDARD OF LIVING IN THE CITIES WHERE MAJORITY KURDISH ETHNIC PEOPLE OCCUPIES?
SUPPORTERS OF PKK BROUGHT MORE PAIN, GRIEF TO THEIR THAN HELPFULL CONTRIBUTION.
Submitted by: Turkish Citizen
Date: February 28, 2002
E-mail: KEMALIST1938@HOTMAIL.COM
A Rejoinder To Turkish Citizen !
Thanks for your attention to what I have pointed to. You speak about exampls of multi-lingual societies.I think it is a good progress from your side, but at the same time you refer to military advice, which is not fair. If you do not consider Europe as a model, then why you are in favour of Turkey joining Europe?. I have noted many times that Northern Kurdistan belongs to its inhabitants that are kurds. Now they have come to point to find a peaceful and rational solution to the centurey long conflict. why not be realistic and discuss matters as they are. The kurdish people in Northern Kurdistan and Turkey are not a group of migrants to resettle in other planets in order to acheive their rights, they simply want peace in dignity and mutual respect. If you are prepared to discuss with me in this level. I am more than happy to do that.
Here I have a little suggestion for those who instead of a healthy discussion resort to swearing and racial hatered. one thing is certain and that is by insulting turks we do not do any good for the kurdish cause. It is high time to leave aside "Eye for Eye and tooth for tooth" moto!
Submitted by: A friend of Turks
Date: February 27, 2002
Subject: Facts about PKK
http://www.turkishforum.com/pkk/index.html see the what real pkk committed.
Submitted by: Turkish Citizen
Date: February 27, 2002
Subject: RESPOND TO A FRIEND OF TURKEY
In European Union there are many countries with multi-official languages, take Finland,Belgium for example. I WOULD LIKE TO ASK TO A FRIEND OF TURKEY THAT IN ONE OF THESE COUNTRIES THEY WANT A PIECE FROM FINLAND OR BELGIUM OR ANYOTHER EXAMPLE. IF THEY STOP THEIR DEMAND OF LAND, THEN WE CAN DISCUSS SOME ISSUES. TURKISH MILITARY STATED NINE DIFFERENT TOPICS THAT KURDS HAVE TO GIVE UP IN ORDER TO GET SOME FREEDOM. IF U ASK TO MUCH, U WILL GET NOTHING. I BELIEVE THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH EUROPE WAY OF THINKING. IF EUROPE LOVES KURDS SO MUCH GIVE A PIECE OF LAND GERMANY BRITIAN AND SETUP THEIR GOVERNMENT. WOULD YOU?
Submitted by: TURKISH CITIZEN
Date: February 26, 2002
Subject: RESPOND TO SMARTASS KURD
...WE DON'T INTERFERE WITH THEIR WAY OF LIFE.GERMANY IS DOING IT WELL THEY TEACH TURKS GERMAN AND GIVE COMPUTER BASICLY ASSIMILIATE TO THEIR CULTURE WHICH IS THE RIGHT WAY. TURKEY DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH THE WAY OF LIFE AND THE RESULT IS BUNCH OF TERRORISTS THAT WANT A PIECE FROM YOUR COUNTRY. THE ONE BELOW WROTE ABOUT WESTERN MIND. I DID NOT CALL NAMES TO KURD ETHNIC PEOPLE WHICH ONE OF SMARTASS KURD DID. SORRY KURDS, YOU WONT BE ABLE TO CREATE KURDISTAN ON THE TURKISH LAND.
Submitted by: ALI & ALPER
Date: February 26, 2002
To Ali And Alper!
Think a bit. We are not living in middle-ages. Accept the reality of the modern time. There is a Kurdish People and A kurdish identity. Try not to harm the feelings of fellow human beings. You should try to understand that is dear for you, Ocalan is dear for kurds. If you succeed in leaving behind the haterd and see the reality of life, Northern Kurdistan and Turkey wold be a better place to live in.
Submitted by: a friend of the Turks
Date: February 26, 2002
Subject: PKK IS A TERRORIST GROUP
THIS IS OCALAN'S GROUP. READ WHAT THEY DID. THE LINK BELONGS TO CIA. I THINK AMERICANS WILL BELIEVE TO CIA. WHAT PKK DID IS AN ISSUE FOR AMERICANS AND IT WAS ON THE MEDIA FOR A WHILE AFTER TRAGIC EVENTS. MAY GOD PROTECT US FROM SUCH EVILS.
Press reports of the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party, a guerrilla group that opposes the Turkish Government) in southeast Turkey poisoning Turkish water supplies with cyanide. Such examples reflect an increased interest in and a capability to produce chemical and biological agents. Open source literature--including access to the Internet--provides instructions on how to make some chemical agents.
Terrorist interest in chemical and biological weapons is not surprising, given the relative ease with which some of these weapons can be produced in simple laboratories, the large number of casualties they can cause, and the residual disruption of infrastructure. Although popular fiction and national attention have focused on terrorist use of nuclear weapons, chemical and biological weapons are more likely choices for such groups.
Submitted by: ALI
Date: February 26, 2002
E-mail: NOTHING TO SAY
Subject: PKK is a terrorist group no
NO MATTER WHAT EUROPE THINKS OR DOES PKK WILL BE A TERRORIST GROUP AND THE ACTIVITIES WILL BE TERRORIST ACTIVITIES FOR U.N. AND U.S.A. GOD BLESS AMERICA
Adding to the threat of indiscriminate attacks are ethnic and separatist movements produced by savage regional and ethnic conflicts around the world. These groups are becoming more of a threat to US facilities and interests abroad. The Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, heads the list of such groups because the group has made international terrorism a key weapon in its fight for an independent homeland in Kurdish-inhabited southeastern Turkey. The PKK has been especially active in Europe, and we fear that its tactics may become a model for other ethnic and separatist movements being spawned in the former Yugoslavia and Soviet Union. Bosnia and the Central Asian region offer potentially fertile ground for some of the Middle Eastern groups to operate or seek recruits, and American involvement in humanitarian or peacekeeping missions in the region increases the potential threat to US interests and citizens. Financial and logistic support for Muslims in these regions could come from some of the radical Islamic groups and their state sponsors.
State sponsors of terrorism include Iran, Syria, Libya, Iraq, North Korea, Cuba, and Sudan. Of these, Iran is the most active instigator of terrorism, especially against dissidents or enemies in the region. These outlaw states consider terrorism a legitimate instrument of statecraft. Recently, they have become more adept at concealing their own activities. Additionally, they are getting better at hiding their support for their surrogates, which includes providing safe haven, funds, training, weapons, and other assistance.
Submitted by: ali
Date: February 26, 2002
E-mail: yok
Subject: Please note, we reserve.......
I just read Nezar Ahmed Tovi's message. It didn't have profane language. ...It is really getting on my nerves as a turkish citizen. I don't want to sound patriot which I am and I think rest of the world should be patriot on the behalf of their country. If anybody or any ethnicity wants a piece from my country they can live in antartica not in my country. If that person has the right to say, we want a part of your country. I have the right to say that they can go to HELL.
Until the last Turkish dies on this planet, Turkish borders will be Turks rest is not my business.
This is my second email today. I had a friend in Izmir / Nevvar Salih Isgoren high school. He was my best friend as kurdish ethnicity. They were talking Kurdish which I don't have any problem with. I think Turkey should let them broadcast Controlled Kurdish media. When the demand rises, they just lose it all. Now Kurds are demanding kurd on their Turkish Citizen Cards which I find very aggrasive and that makes me aggresive.
There won't be any fight in the future if they stop demanding land. I believe everything will ease in the future.
Young Turk
Submitted by: alper
Date: February 26, 2002
E-mail: Turkish Citizen
Subject: Turkish and Kurdish thought
Althought my knowledge of the Kurdish struggle in Turkye is limited to opinion from both Turkish and Kurdish friends. I feel that Kurdish should in fact be treated equally with dignity and respect . Their culture should be held with the highest regard as the Turkish culture . In this society we are all different it is up the individual self to be open minded and give the other person a chance . There is good and bad in both Turkish and Kurdish people. Let the good prevail over the bad and make things better for both. By the way I am a great admirer of Turkish culture history and Music. If Ataturk wanted peace for Turkey let Turkey follow that example of this great leader in Turkish history Meharba Carlos.
Submitted by: Carlos
Date: February 22, 2002
E-mail: Car59va@aol.com
Subject: A rejoinder to Turkish citizen
A civilised rejoinder to the signatory Turkish Citizen! First of all I really welcome the language that you have used for putting forward your ideas, But I am afraid the way you interpret the concept of citizenship and patriotism is highly one-sided.In the set of reasoning that you put forward there is no entity called KURDS.In the modern history of Turkish Republic kurds have not be given the opportunity to express themselves. This is a very mild way at point to this established fact.If you agree with the reasoning that Turkey belongs to her citizens, logically you are expected to agree that Northren Kurdistan which is Under the political jurisdiction of Turkish state belongs to the people that are living there.As a reasonable person that you imply to be,you are expected to accept that violent methods have not been able to suppress the demands of kurdish people who want to live in Turkey in peace and harmony. So challanging kurds to resort to violence is not solving the question.So instead of that, instead of hatred and menace and refering to blood , engage yourself in a constructive debate how the harmony could be established In Turkey.Solving the kurdish question in Turky by formal recognition of Kurdish existance, Kurdish culture and identity is the key for peaceful coexistance of all people there.The kurds are deserved to be loved not hated.
Submitted by: A friend of Turkish people
Date: February 21, 2002
Subject: Free Kurdistan
Dear All Gentlemen Expecting Free Kurdistan,
Below message of mine is plainly to try to bring the communication in this site to the actually intended platform, free from harsh politics and tongues. I assume that your prospect country Kurdistan would have the boundaries shown on the map in this site. I hope you are aware of the fact that an enormous amount of that piece of land has been expected out of the land Turkey has been located.
I respect your ideals. If you really want it to be real, certainly, you should fight for it. However, please review the short story of Turkish Republic beginning from 1914. Four European countries along with a remarkable military support from two other countries from Oceania had already tried to own Anatolian lands but they were not successful. The unique power the citizens of this country had when defending their country was the principle of Unity, not divided and ruled in pieces, taking to ultimate independence. There was not defence lines at that war against the invaders; all country was a defence land.
Turkey is a country changing fast.In last 80 years these people had to struggle with many changes and many difficulties. Democracy in Turkey might not be excellent but still changing towards the excellence. However, there is the principle that is hard to change for several generations is the Unity of this country. Nobody has to approve this but it deserves respect since this country was shaped on it.
Every group of people in this world might desire to own a piece of Turkey to establish a free country on it. However, no historical document or reason would let the citizens of Turkey release that desired piece of land to the others freely. Ancestors of these citizens paid the price of saving their lands with their own blood. The price has not changed, yet. Anyone who has such desires should also consider killing to the last citizen of this country who can hold a weapon.
Above powers of the world could not do it. If you also desire it go for it, I respect. But, then, it should be a real and honest fight to the last drop of blood. Other weapons of tongue and paper only take your time worthlessly and occupy and stain this site in vain.
The last weapon you could consider other than a regular fight: the terrorizm, the art of gaining minor successes out of the innocent one's blood. Though no use it highly depends on your self respect.
Wishing all peace at home and in the world.
Submitted by: Citizen of Turkey
Date: February 20, 2002
I'm from Argentina. I know very well what is the oppression about, so I hope for Kurdish people the best way of solution. I hope that your culture will not be destroy by the countries who are in your land. Don?st stop your pacific fight, there?ss a lot of people who support your case.
Submitted by: Ignacio
Date: February 18, 2002
E-mail: irebello@fibertel.com.ar
Subject: An expert view on kurdish
For Information of Akakurdistan visitors
I was really pleased to watch Kurdish Satellite Tv , Medya Tv on Thursday evening ,in the Debate Programme Carcira (Charchira) a lengthy interview with Pro.Dr.Martin van Bruinessen was broadcast about the current peaceful struggle of kurdish students in Northern Kurdistan and Turkey for The right of Education in Kurdish language. The reason that I want to convey some of the points put forward by van Bruinessen,in the programme in this site, is That he has written chapter commenteries of"Kurdistan in The Shadow of History". In answering to evaluation of current wave of Kurdish endevour for recognition of kurdish language in education and and as a mean of instruction, Pro.Dr.Martin van Bruinessen said: " Of course, this is an old struggle.From the beginning of 20th century kurds have demanded education in their own language.In fact in the beginning of 20th century Said Noursi was the first person who established a school for kurdish pupils in Isanbul.It was for the first time which a kurdish modern school was established in present Turkey. Under the rule of Republican Turkey the Kurdish Language was banned for a long time and obviously there was no education in this language.Now since 10 years ago Kurdish language is not banned officially, but still the right of education in this language is not recognized by Turkish government.
Recently Students have push forward this demand, possibly being aware of the principles of European Union according to which, Turkey is obliged to concede this right.So that is why we are witnessing a wave of activities to this end, but it seems that the Turkish government has taken a step backward and is not prepared to give in to any demand. But I estimate that this reaction is a very temporary". The presenter of Carcira asked Van Bruinessen:" one of the strange points which comes up in some of the mass media in Turkey whenever the Kurdish question and kurdish language is in discussion, one feels a consious humilation of kurds.
As long as the existance of kurdish language is concerend, recently I was watching a tv programme in a Turkish channel some one took part in the debate by telephone presented as a language expert, he was comparing Kurdish with Esperanto, wanted to convey that Kurdish as a constructed language. What is your view about such so called scientific approach? in answering this question Pro.Dr.Van Bruinessen said: "I have not seen that expert, but it is really strange a Turkish scholar says that.Ok, it is true that in modern kurdish one come across neologisms which could stem from older origin. People who speak Kirmanci may borrow from Sorani kurdish or persian , but if you compare that with what the "Turk Dil Kurumi"- Turkish Language association- (Have done, it is amazing).It wanted to construct a pure turkish language and expel arabic and persian elements,this Association coined such words which very little resembled Turkish, They were not good linguists, that is why the most words that they coined ,from linguistics point of view were meaningless. Some of them were adapted and become part of living language, but most of these coinages were rejected by the people and they are not in use any more.Uz Turkce (origin Turkish) was just an experiement, it was an experiement to engineer to construct a language artificially.It was a complete failure.But the situation of Kurdish language is totaly different.We know there are kurdish written texts which are at least four, five century old. We see a great continuation of using kurdish. My favorit writer, Turkish traveler Ewliya Chelebi has recorded such texts that even today one can recognise that it is the same dialect which is spoken today.the same words and the same constructions.therefore one can see a great stability in kurdish language. To compare it with Esperanto is ludicrous"
The above translation is an extract from the Programme Carcira on Medya TV Thursday February 4, 2002
To watch Medy Tv live please visit: www.medyatv.com
Submitted by: A friend of Turks
Date: February 9, 2002
E-mail: he_shaw@yahoo.co.uk
Subject: Question
There was never a Kurdistan in history. Or am I wrong? Did they have a goverment?
Submitted by: Michael
Date: February 6, 2002
This is a wonderful website and even as I look at the world "wonderful" it doesn't start to describe this website. Great job and may God bless Kurdistan!
PS I would like to know if I can find a picture of Sheikh Ahmed Barzani somewhere on the net, I would be glad for any responses regarding that.
Thank you in advance!
Submitted by: B
Date: February 3, 2002
E-mail: Ar6ti9st@aol.com
Subject: Education in kurdish NOW
The Official Recognition of Kurdish Language in Turkey and state sanction of kurdish education has nothing to do with separatism or state sovereignty
Since Last November Students in university compuses in Turkey and Northern Kurdistan have started a campaign for acheiving the right of education in kurdish. This just campaign has spread to different places, and although according to current laws and regulations students and their parents have the right to present their petitions, but in many cases students and their parents have been exposed to police harrasment and introgations and in some cases they have been arrested waiting trial!
Is not that strange to be prosecuted for a demand as such? Why not look at this campaign from another angel. European Union attaches a great importance to the preservation and development of languages spoken and used in the union, Turkey is anxiuos to join this union, the official doctrine of one language,one nation practiced by Turkey since the end of 20s must gone with history.
In European Union there are many countries with multi-official languages, take Finland,Belgium for example.
In these countries state sovereignty is not disintgrated, but the harmony betwen peoples with different languages have been stengthened.
So Turkey must follow suit. Introduce Kurdish in Education or stay out of Europe ! The rational must be the former.
Submitted by: A friend of Turkey
Date: February 2, 2002
Subject: Kurdistan Republic
Hi! Those who have a copy of "Kurdistan in The Shadow of History" surely have read the section which is related to the establishment of Kurdistan Republic in !946.Actually one of the best pictures of the day of proclaimation of the Republic is printed in"In The Shadow..."
Last week Tuesday 22 January 2002(2nd R?bendan 1380)was 56 anniversary of Kurdistan Republic. Although the Republic was short-lived and lasted less than one year. But without doubt this experience of self-rule by kurds is the most vivid chapters of kurdish modern political history. Here we do not take up the reasons for the Republic's demise and its shortcomings, we can take up this aspect in an another comment, but here are some symbolic values of the Republic that we should learn from and implement: 1-Introducing of Kurdish in education and other spheres. 2-Establishing a loose unity among various clans who had not been organised on a political platform before. 3- Esablishing a regular army to preserv the security of citizens 4- A special attention to the plight of Women in respecting their equal rights with men. 5- compulsary education for childern 6- the discourse of the Republic was friendship and solidarity between peoples living with the kurds. 7- practical unity among kurds belonging to different parts 8- The president of The Republic Late Qazi Mihemed and leading steering Council(heyet Reisey Milli ) recieved Late Mulla Mustefa Barzani and his followers in Kurdish areas which were under Republic's controll. Barzani And specially Kurdish officers who had left Iraqi Army played an important role in the war fronts of Kurdistan Republic. 9- Even in Kurdish schools the teachers who had joined Republic from Southern part had a very effective and positive contribution. 10- The Kurds proved if they have a chance they can live in peace and harmony with the others. 11- In the town of Sablax ( Mahabad) the centre of The Republic the childern of a few Jewish families had the opportunity to have education of that version of Aramic which is used by Kurdistani Jews.
Now 56 years after in some places of kurdistan we still fight for some simple demands.
Accept kurds, let them live in peace with Turks,Persians and Arabs.A politically minded kurd has no hatered against afromentioned cultures. Such kurd wants to be treated equally and enjoy an independent identity, which surely strengthen the unity of present nation-states of Turkey,
Iran,Iraq,Syria and elsewhere. There is no cause of fearful attitudes vis-a-vis kurds.Try to understand them and live with them in justice and harmony.
H?min Habesh
Date: January 30, 2002
Subject: Kurd
hi, I'm writing again for all my kurdish people. I love kurdistan and one day wish to see it as an independant country.I will love to visit my country one day, and hope to see my culture.... Thank you
kardok Shafei BEJI KURD
Submitted by: Kardok Shafei
Date: January 29, 2002
E-mail: bignastyk@hotmail.com
Subject: Map
You forgot to add Rize in your map!;-))))
Submitted by: Ali Ekber
Date: January 25, 2002
Subject: the website thanks a lot for everything
This is the most amazing website that I've seen in years. I am a typical Brit - ignorant of the history of Kurdistan. And now that ignorance has been righted. Meiselas is an Angel! Apart from the wealth of info, history, and sumptuous imagery, the website itself has been designed beautifully. I must buy the book.
Submitted by: Shaun Benjamin
Date: January 23, 2002
Subject: THE BEST!
THIS WEBSITE IS SIMPLY THE BEST!!
Submitted by: zac
Date: January 23, 2002
Subject: The RIGHT to own language
Just Think A little! The visitors of this site may have read about the kurdish students campaign in educational institutions in Northren Kurdistan and Turkey for the right of education in the mother tongue and official recognition of their identity. The coalition government have tried to suppress this geniune struggle with traditional methods of harrasment, humilation and presecution. Some circle's in media have gone so far to argue that free usage of language, in education, press and broadcating will amount to speratism. It is imperative really to your senses! how on earth you can convience world's public opinion by attaching the free usage of kurdish language to the sovareignity of the state.They are not related.How long MHP is going to spread the seed of hatered against Kurdish existance and its values.
Wake up Turkish speakers are you prepared to forget your mother tongue and adopt another one under durace. The answer is surely no. So why arrogant rulers demand this from at least 20 milion kurds in Northren Kurdistan and Turkey to do that. The free usage of Kurdish Language in education, communication and broadcasting consalidate the sovariegnity of the state and creat an atmosphere of understanding and mutual respect between Kurds and Turks. It is the only way out of this situation.
Submitted by: LINGUIST
Date: January 20, 2002
E-mail: LINGUIST
Subject: The Kurdish Struggle
Our future looks bright and our past must be forgotten by all. Here we kurds stand as a testiment to time and the world, for centuries they have hunted, killed, and broken us yet we stand. With our backs against the mountaions and our hands on our guns ready to protect kurdistan and die for it we shall overcome. I believe in the kurdish cause but it is up to us to continue the struggle since the internaional community rather cover Kashmir, Palstine, and Afganistan. We kurds have the ball we can run with it or let it drop. Please do what every y'all can to spread the kurdish voice and our name so that we will not be forgotten in time and our home lost forever. Don't ever forget where you came from. Peace and Love a Kurdish Brother.
Submitted by: huwaa
Date: January 16, 2002
Subject: Job Opportunities in NC, USA
Dear akaKurdistan Website Vistors,
This e-mail is about helping us create a new Little Arabia community right here in Goldsboro, North Carolina. It is growing very fast... For the Arabian Community to invest and help us build and create a Little Arabia Community. Many Arabian families are moving in and bringing a little bit of their culture. Soon we will have the 1st Annual Wayne County, North Carolina Arabian Festival in (Goldsboro, North Carolina).
This e-mail will be very helpful for the Kurdish people and US! Your Kurdish Businesses & Kurdish Cultural Centers will do great here!! Many of the Arabs here are from Yemen, and Lebanon, and other Arab nations!! In fact most of the Arabian families own most of the businesses in Downtown Goldsboro, North Carolina, USA. There will soon be a Little Arabia District!! I am a dreamer! There are also a lot of Hawaiians here in Goldsboro, North Carolina too!! There are a few Russians, Bulgarians, Greeks, Bosnian, Palestinian, Armenian, Turkish, Persian, etc.
Maybe you can help us. We would love to learn about Kurdish Culture & Heritage..There use to be a Lebanese/Syrian Club here because of so many coming here, maybe in the future it will open up again!! There is also a Egyptian Coptic family here who also miss their culture and heritage. There is a Armenian here who owns a frame and art shop, and has been here for 20 years. Bring some more Kurdish Businesses & Kurdish Cultural Centers.
Thank you and I wish the Kurdish people good luck here in Wayne County in the wonderful U.S.A.!! I have some websites that will be very helpful for the Kurdish people of the US!! Here is the list: http://www.waynecountyedc.org/ (This organization does business with thousands of international companies around the globe. Many have been very successful in boosting our economy and bringing excellent jobs for workers!).
The other website is http://www.dgdc.org/ (This organization helps restore old buildings in our downtown area, you can invest in this property and use it for Kurdish businesses & Kurdish Cultural Centers too!). Your Kurdish businesses & Kurdish Cultural Centers will do excellent here and people will learn and finally enjoy life once again. We would like to learn about Kurdistan's history, languages, religions, foods, dances, etc.
Write back as soon as possible!!
Submitted by: Christopher Lawson
Date: January 9, 2002
E-mail: zanzibar101@sultanofbrunei.com
Subject: Racial and Ethnic conflicts
Great site! As a minority, I have always been interested in the problems of minorities, especially the causes. I am particularly interested in ethnic conflicts, such as in Northern Ireland and have concluded that all such conflicts have a common underlying factor whether it is in East Timor, Kosovo, Bosnia, Mindanao, Somalia, Puerto Rico, Fiji, Sri Lanka, Kashmir, Tibet, Chechnya, Israel, etc. All minority groups are experiencing the same underlying problem which has in turn resulted in the common desire for independence regardless of the geographic location or culture of these minority groups. I have created a web page in which I express my belief as to what this underlying cause is. Please check it out. You may find it interesting. Thanks. http://www.angelfire.com/ca7/amgoto
Submitted by: A.M. Goto
Date: January 7, 2002
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