Thomas Bois THE KURDS The Kurds are one of the few peoples of the Middle East who have genuinely maintained the dignified and picturesque tradi¬ tions of the past. The work of Father Thomas Bois comes just at the right time to extend our knowledge of this not too well known and frequently misunder¬ stood people. The author after having briefly outlined the origins and history of this Middle Eastern people, presents them vividly before us in their family and social life and their daily occupations. We share in their joys and sorrows. Father Bois is no cold anthropologist. He is filled with a deep human sym¬ pathy for a people whom he obviously loves, and there are passages in this book where he reveals an affection for the people among whom he has lived, which are truly touching. Of extraordinary interest are the accounts of superstitions which sometimes approach the border¬ line of orthodox religion. The picture of Kurdish literature, both written and oral, which he presents so attractively will arouse the curiosity of many. In the light of the last chapter, certain recent events will come into focus which previously were obscure and blurred. LL. 12.50 f w Thomas Bois THE KURDS Translated from the French by Professor M.W.M. Welland 1966 KHAYATS Beirut All rights researved by the Publisher First French Edition... 1965 First English Edition... 1966 Published by Khayat Book & Publishing Company S.A.L. 90-94 Rue Bliss, Beirut, Lebanon Contents Page Chapter 1. Kurdistan 1 Chapter II. In Search of the Kurdish People 7 Chapter III. Life Among the Kurds 19 Chapter IV. The Social System 31 Chapter V. The Family 43 Chapter VI. The Leisure Hours 59 Chapter VII. The Dark Days 75 Chapter VIII. The Kurds and the Crescent 85 Chapter IX On the Fringes of Religions: Superstitions 99 Chapter X. Literature 110 Chapter XL Kurdish Nationalism 137 Select Bibliography 155 Author's Bibliography 157 *% #~* - CHAPTER I Kurdistan A land without frontiers, Kurdistan is, it goes without saying, that country inhabited by the Kurds. This name, in the course of centuries, has been given to those areas, more or less extensive, which have altered from epoch to epoch. Today, officially, it no longer figures on maps printed in Turkey, although it did appear during the time of the Ottoman Empire. On the other hand the map indicates in Iran a western province, which is far from con¬ taining all the Kurds, even those of Iran. Kurdistan forms the backbone of the Middle East. Situated in the heart of Asia Minor, it occupies the greater part of that mountainous region which extends between the Black Sea and the steppes of Mesopotamia on one side, and the Anti-Taurus range and the Iranian plateau, on the other. Its territory, which has the shape of a sickle or crescent, according to one's imagina¬ tive taste, is nearly as large as France and forms large parts of Turkey, Iran and Irak. Despite this, its inhabitants are clearly distinguished by race, language and history from the Turks, Persians and Arabs. Geographical Kurdistan The Taurus and Zagros mountain ranges form, so to speak, the spinal column of this country, which is situated at a consid¬ erable elevation above the surrounding countries. Some mountain peaks, however, tower over the regions which surround them. The great Mount Ararat, on which it is supposed Noah's Ark came to rest, is more than 16,200 feet high. Mount Judi, which claims the same honour, reaches a height of more than 6500 feet; Nemrud Dagh, a height of 10,400 feet and Sipan, frequently men¬ tioned in song, rises to almost 11,330 feet. In Irak, Pira Magrun has a height of 9,200 feet. The summits are snow-covered for a great part of the year. It is in mid-Kurdistan that the two Bib¬ lical rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates, have their sources. Their many tributaries: the Murad Su, the Khabur, the two 2 The Kurds Zabs, and the Diala follow difficult courses through the moun¬ tains over rocks and through precipitous gorges, thus contribut¬ ing to the beauty of the landscape. But they also water some very fertile valleys. These are to be found mainly in the loops of the Euphrates, as, for example, the plain of Urfa and of Tigre, the regions of Diar and of Jezireh, the very rich and fertile valley of Mush, and the valleys of the two Zabs around Arbil and Kirkuk. This country, therefore, is not lacking in natural beauty. Indeed so beautiful is it that it is from the songs that the children come to realize its loveliness, for it is easy to compare the charms of a beloved to the beauties which everywhere lie around them, such as the flowers of Ashmakhan, apples of Malatia, grapes of Sinjar. Other allusions are to the wooded, rocky slopes of mounts Sipan and Klat; to the springs which gush from the Bingol and to the gardens of Meriwan. A river flowing through a village, the fruits which flourish everywhere, a snow-clad peak like Kandil are all used as similes which vary from one province to another. One often wonders with which the singer is most entranced the charms of his beloved or the beauty of the landscape. Cousin thine eyes flash fire and light Like to the springs of Akhmakhan. Amidst the flowers of Akhmakhan Thou leapest like the gazelle's young fawn. Thou art a mountain rose of sweet perfume. Shelter me under thy russet locks. Thy tresses and their ringlets toss to and fro Like to the sweet zephyr of Akhmakhan. But life is not all poetry, for the climate is quite severe. The snow which crowns the mountain brings the cold, but elsewhere in the South a torrid heat prevails. The rains last from November to April. The principle of natural selection operates on the population so that the Kurdish highlander is strong and vigorous. Kurdistan 3 The Economic Resources of Kurdistan Some of the tribes still live in tents, and for the summer season the Kurds leave the plains, which are beginning to dry up, and lead their flocks to the zozan, or mountain pastures where the animals find plenty of grass and refreshing coolness. Some sheep grow to a height of 32 inches, which is 6 inches higher than the best animals of many sheep producing countries. And so, many Kurds follow the shepherd's trade, and this work is held in high esteem for it allows one to live in freedom under God's sun. The many racy proverbs which embellish conversation testify to the accuracy of the shepherd's observation of his flock and so reflect his way of life. The good ram is recognized right from the threshold of the fold. The rights of the defenceless ram fall down before the one with horns. When the he-goat has had his day, the kid is named the master of the flock. The mangy goat leaps high over the spring. A hundred sheep rest in the shade of a single tree. Without his flock the sheep becomes the prey of wolves. The Kurd is a very keen hunter, and here he has all that he could wish for, since the mountains are full of bears, wolves, wild boars, not to speak of ibex and other smaller game both furred and feathered, such as partridges and wild duck which are to be found in abundance. Today the majority of Kurds are not entirely nomads and sheep-raisers. A great many of them settle in little villages. The village Kurd often gives a hospitable welcome to the stranger. In such villages there are no streets and the houses are packed together one against another on the banks of a stream shaded by lofty poplars and fine walnut trees. Here is where fine darting fish can be caught on the line and where the little boys enjoy a 4 The Kurds bathe, and the women clad in multicoloured garments wash their tattered rags. The fields roundabout are well tilled, for the Kurd has a love for the soil, and where this is scarce, he skilfully makes terraces on which maize, millet and hemp can be sown. Rice is a thriving crop and tobacco is an important part of the country's wealth. The vines of numerous varieties produce excellent grapes. Almost everywhere can be seen the ruins of imposing fortresses built over the centuries by independent aghas. Some of these castles have played their part in history. Legend is mingled with true histories, and these stories have given rise to the epics which the minstrels sing at close of day as, for example, the famous epic of Dimdin-Kala. This country then is extremely picturesque. Is it as prosperous as it is charming? Kurdistan, as we have said, is mainly a mountainous land, and a mountainous country has never been counted as wealthy. Nevertheless, the crops of wheat, barley and rice are not inconsiderable, the fruit trees apples, pears, peaches, and apricots, not to speak of the vines, are abundant. Along with wool, milk, butter and cheese, sheep-rearing is one of the chief economic resources of Kurdistan. The mountains are clad with evergreen oaks, from which are gathered oak-galls which are used to make ink and tanning materials. There are, besides, almost everywhere, deposits of coal practically unworked. Copper is mined at Ergani and also exists at Palu and the districts of Van and Akra. Iron ore is to be found in the neighbourhood of Maden, in the kazas of Kigi, Keshkin and in the region of Amadia.