Prelims - Current events of National & International importance
Why in News?
India has a greater responsibility to support the peace agreement between the Turkish government and Kurdish militants.
Kurdish Geography
- Location
- Kurdistan is a region defined by its geographical and cultural identity of its people, which remains unrecognized as a sovereign state.
- Sharing countries - It spread across Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Armenia.
- Landscape
- Mountains - It encompasses the Zagros Mountain range and the eastern stretches of the Taurus Mountains.
- Rivers - The Tigris and Greater Zab Rivers traverse this region, sustaining agriculture and human settlements.
Kurdish Identity
- Kurdish communities across the 4 regions of Kurdistan each contribute unique elements to a vibrant and enduring Kurdish identity.
- This diversity is evident in their various linguistic dialects, including Kurmanji, Sorani, and Pehlewani.
- The religious landscape is equally rich, encompassing Islam, Judaism, Yezidism, Christianity, Alevism, and Zoroastrianism.
- Culturally, the distinct traditions, music, dance, and cuisine of each Kurdish area underscore both their individuality and shared heritage.
Kurdish-Indian Relations
- Language – Many Indo-European languages, including Kurdish and Sanskrit, share a common linguistic heritage dating back thousands of years.
- Consulate in Erbil - In August 2016, India opened a consulate in Erbil, the capital of Iraq's Kurdistan region, to strengthen its economic and trade relations with the country.
- Trade and Cooperation
- A growing number of Indian enterprises have engaged in trade fairs and exhibitions across Erbil and Sulaymaniyah over the past few years.
- MEDICO is the First and Largest International Health Exhibition in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
- Many ceramics and marble supplying companies are actively doing business in Kurdistan and Iraq.
- Kurdish Referendum - In 2017, India’s position on the Referendum held in the Kurdistan Region remain committed to a stable, peaceful, democratic and a united Iraq that is able to settle its internal affairs amicably through peaceful process of dialogue and other constitutional means.
- Workers’ relations - Indian workers are increasingly employed in the Kurdistan region's steel, oil, and construction sectors, where their contributions are highly valued.
Reference
The Hindu| India’s Responsibility on Kurdish Agreement
