Our Field
Kurdistan
Kurdistan is located
in Northern Iraq
and shares a border with
Iran, Turkey and a small
portion with Syria. This
area is under the control
of the Kurdish Regional
Government (KRG) and is
considered autonomous within Iraq.
The Place
Their situation
is not dissimilar to that of
the Native American tribes
and the reservation system.
Although surrounded by
neighbors that are generally
considered hostile, Kurdistan
maintained a well-regulated
peace from 2003-2014. In 2014, the Islamic State (ISIS,
ISIL, Daesh) became a force
to be reckoned with and
conquered vast swathes
of land in both Syria and
Iraq. As of the writing of
this material, the conflict is
evolving but ongoing.
The People
It is generally accepted
that the Kurds are
descendants of the Medes.
Biblically, the Kurds can
be found in Isaiah and
Daniel. Several of the minor
prophets were written
during their reign. Contrary
to what many might
think, the people in this
region, Kurdish and Arab
alike, are very friendly to
Western nations. The Kurds,
having been persecuted
for so many decades, are
fiercely proud to have a
place called Kurdistan.
During our years in Iraqi
Kurdistan, my wife and I
have had the opportunity
to speak with Kurds from all
walks of life and countries
of origin. Kindness is
a consistent theme in
almost every interaction.
A desire for freedom and a
government different from
the surrounding nations has
created a tiny oasis of hope
in an otherwise bloody and
violent area.
The Religion
Kurdish people are
by and large Sunni
Muslim. It has been said
that the Kurds “hold their
Islam lightly.” There is a
saying among the Arab
nations: “A Kurd is a
Muslim when compared
to an infidel.” While they
are a Muslim Region,
the Kurdish Regional
Government promotes
the idea of freedom of
religion to a certain extent.
Zoroastrianism (also known
as the Cult of Angels),
Y ezidism (a religion specific
to Kurdistan), and Sufism
(a mystical form of Islam)
are practiced here as well.
The term “Christian” has
been applied to the Roman
Catholic, Coptic, Maronite,
and Orthodox Churches.
Gospel-preaching churches
are not common and are
persecuted by the Muslim
majority as well as by the
Orthodox and Catholic
churches.
