The Four Parts of Kurdistan

Kurdistan is divided across four states. This section covers Bashur, Bakur, Rojhelat and Rojava with their geography, history, cities and landmarks.

The Four Kurdistans

  • Kurdistan is one land split by twentieth-century treaties between four states: Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria. Despite the borders, the Kurds remained one people with a shared language, memory and mountain.

Unity Across Borders

  • Language, music, Newroz and traditional dress — all are bridges binding Bakur to Bashur, and Rojhelat to Rojava. The mountain remains the homeland when geography is divided.

Bashur · South Kurdistan

  • Iraq — The Kurdistan Region of Iraq — constitutionally recognised with Hewlêr (Erbil) as its capital. Land of citadels, universities and the largest modern Kurdish cities.
  • Hewlêr · Sulaymaniyah · Duhok · Mountains · History

Bakur · North Kurdistan

  • Turkey — North Kurdistan — the largest by population, stretching from the Taurus mountains to the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates. Amed (Diyarbakır) is its beating heart.
  • Amed · Van · Mardin · Taurus · Culture

Rojhelat · East Kurdistan

  • Iran — East Kurdistan — cradle of the early Medes and the heart of the Zagros mountains. Sanandaj, Mahabad and Kermanshah are its great historic cities.
  • Sanandaj · Mahabad · Kermanshah · Zagros · Media

Rojava · West Kurdistan

  • Syria — West Kurdistan — stretching along Syria's northern border. Qamishli, Afrin and Kobani are the symbols of its modern resilience.
  • Qamishli · Kobani · Afrin · Jazira · Resilience