

The Syrian Civil War Pt.2 – The Kurds Rise Up
36 snips Feb 26, 2025
Rani Hamadeh, a Syrian Kurd with a decade of experience in conflict data analysis, shares his gripping story of life under siege in Aleppo and Afrin. He dives into the historical context of Kurdish nationalism, exploring the interplay between Kurdish and Arab identities. The discussion highlights the cultural repression faced by Kurds and the rise of political consciousness amidst systemic oppression. With insights into the complexities of Kurdish politics during the Syrian Civil War, Rani challenges stereotypes and sheds light on the multifaceted Kurdish experience.
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Thomas's Afrin Encounter
- Thomas Small visited Afrin province in 2007, where he encountered Kurdish border patrol officers.
- They showed him great hospitality, but quietly revealed their Kurdish identity due to political sensitivities.
Religious Diversity in Afrin
- Rani Hamadeh's village, Qatma, has Zoroastrians and a separate Zoroastrian cemetery.
- His grandmother also converted to Islam from Yazidism, showcasing religious diversity within Kurdish communities.
Origins of Kurdish Nationalism
- Kurdish nationalism's roots lie in Istanbul during the late Ottoman period when a Kurdish intelligentsia began theorizing it.
- The formation of modern nation-states and their embrace of Arab nationalism further fueled Kurdish nationalism.