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1.
The Kurdish Nation spans several countries including Turkey, Iran, Syria and Iran, while the total population is undetermined it is estimated at “4-5 million in Iraq, 7-8 million in Iran, and 18-20 million in Turkey. Additionally, an estimated 2 -3 million Kurds live in a number of European countries.” (Inati, 164)
Thus, the Kurds represent the largest ethnic group in the world without a state. The term ‘Kurdistan’ is widely used in Iraq to refer to the Kurdish area of northern Iraq.”(O’Leary, 1) Also known as Southern Kurdistan, “the area of northern Iraq where the Kurds predominate, is a region of about 83,000 square kilometers.” (O’Leary, 1) “In Iraq there are approximately 3.7 million Kurds in the… northern safe haven area, and between 1 and 2 million in the rest of Iraq.” (O’Leary, 1)
It is the purpose of this web page to offer an overview of the history, government and culture of the people who comprise Southern Kurdistan and to highlight the complex nature of the situation facing Kurdish people living in Iraq.
