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Diversity In Iraq

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Obvious Diversity in Iraq with an Ambiguous Identity,
- Kurds as a Case Study* -
Sidqi M.S.Yassen
University of Dohuk
Kurdistan Region –Iraq
Sidqi.yassen@uod.ac
Sidqi2004@yahoo.com
Mob: 009647504996535

ABSTRACT This paper aims at showing the problem of ethnic, religion and linguistic diversity in Iraq which effects negatively on Iraqi Identity. This diversity is regarded as one of the most obstacle of instability in Iraq since the beginning of the 20th century. Differences and varieties were inconsiderable during the time of establishment of Iraq state in 1921. The most important alliances’ (UK and France) interests were the priority of formation Iraq state, which led to create inhomogeneous state with respect to cultural, ethnical …show more content…

Therefore and in this atmosphere of relative freedom; two problems appeared: first, between Sunni and Shi’at sects within united Iraq from one hand. Second, between Kurds and Arabs in general from the other hand, with an implied calls for gradual separation and independence of Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Thus, we can not realize the exact identity of Iraq state due to many different calls for one Iraqi identity for all Iraqis along with preservation of all minorities’ features and characteristics. In this paper we focus on Kurdish national trends more than the others, by reason of that the Kurds have more effects on the Iraqi identity from the side of language and culture. Therefore, and to support this idea; we have examined 200 students (20-25 years old) of University of Dohuk, from colleges of Law and Arts (departments of Arabic Language, Kurdish Language, and History) through questionnaire operation by distributing a questionnaire forms to be fulfilled by them. The result of questionnaire shows that 68% of the students regarded themselves as Kurds only, whereas 32% of the students regarded themselves as Iraqi Kurds, if we take into our consideration that this questionnaire had been done during the period preceding the elections of Iraqi parliament, which effects on the general mode of citizens.

* Unpublished paper which submitted (abstract only) to Arab and Islamic Studies (Centre for Gulf studies) in University of Exeter. Although it has been accepted; but unfortunately I couldn’t attend the conference for some reasons. I would like to develop this paper after huge changes occurred in the area.

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