By Dr. Hiva Panahi
The Iranian Plateau: Cultural and Political Identity
The Iranian Plateau is an undeniable geographical and climatic expanse, as well as a domain of cultural and linguistic customs that are an inseparable part of its political and human geography. Within this human expanse, each region preserves a cultural identity that carries the stories of its resilience, peaks, and valleys. In this vast plateau, Kurdistan has a unique identity and existence, which, regrettably, has not shown any positive regard towards the Kurds even with the emergence of the modern state in Iran in the twentieth century. Despite being labeled with various strange suffixes such as “deprived areas” and “remote regions,” it has been intertwined with the policies of centralism and self-governance, leaving behind horrific consequences that have shaped the history of our generation and future generations, influencing part of our personal, social, and political history as Kurds.
State Intellectuals:
In this context, some, under the title of spokespersons for the ruling classes—or rather, real and legal entities closely linked to the elite and ruling class—have played and continue to play a destructive and dark role. The history of intellectualism in Iran lacks existential and philosophical depth. It can be said that critical intellectualism in Europe, which possessed the ability to critique and remedy shortcomings and deficiencies, has never been a part of the fabric of these clubs and groups. Historical sources from contemporary Iran reveal the truth that the SAVAK founded these types of assemblies to support its actions and the government of Reza Shah, enlisting all these forces whenever necessary to execute the ruling policies and push societal wounds to the margins.
These individuals saw nothing beyond what they had to, heard nothing but what was to be discussed, and were not to articulate anything besides the topics of debate. The Islamic Republic inherited these negative foundations as well, occasionally adopting a religious title and suffix. Even the Ministry of Guidance would not publish anything that did not align with their views, hoping to find remedies for the people’s pain. This is how the army of 800 individuals, who are the extension of poison, emerges and showcases themselves.
For those of us with various human experiences, it is shocking and surprising that this poisonous army, which deems itself intellectual and artistic, does not critique or point out the devastations of the Iranian Plateau. Why should they not critically address the Qajar era, during which the disastrous treaties of Golestan and Turkmenchay were signed, leading the internal and external policies of the country to a thousand years of ruin? Why should this not be criticized? Or why should the Pahlavi family not be criticized for paving the way for the irresponsible governance of the Islamic Republic, resulting in nearly half a century of misery and chaos that has affected even them? Why should the army and poisonous forces not stand against such issues, demanding that the boundaries of unity be restored, stating that power has been usurped and put up for auction for themselves and their affiliates? Should these 800 individuals not be the eyes, ears, and voice of the people’s pains?
Political Countdown:
Unfortunately, the political and behavioral counting in Iran has been planned under the control of the elite class and their close affiliates in such a way that they do not remedy any pain, but rather implement tactics to relieve stress and issues without actually addressing them. The effort exerted here has primarily been to humiliate and degrade humans, and this unfortunate narrative could be described as the sociology of slavery. They have not realized that Azerbaijanis, since the time of Toghrul, have been commanded by Kurdish-speaking Turkic orders to prevent bloodshed and calamity at that time. Even if some residents of Kurdistan are Turkic, they are part of our vision, neighbors, and people, and we harbor no malice or discord against other peoples near or far from our land.
A Solution for Stress and Problems in Kurdistan as a Boxing Bag:
Unfortunately, the dictatorial and totalitarian system rooted in Iranian history employs inappropriate tactics to maintain its position, avoiding accountability and not demanding better, more efficient actions from its people. Yet the current system is both bare and suffering, alongside its intellectuals who spread poison and the unjust, ignorant spokespersons who, instead of identifying the roots of pain and suggesting remedies for the difficulties afflicting our people, hope to fish from the muddy water of their own interests. However, you cannot; you, along with the 800 movement or any other number, are condemned. It would be better to stop this poison-spreading energy and seek fairness, or if you are truly a righteous Shiite, at least be free in the spirit of Imam Hussain and not be a thief who has come with a lantern!
Nowruz in Kurdistan: A Ground for Political and Cultural Free Thought:
The origins of the Nowruz festival in Kurdish culture date back thousands of years and have not been usurped by anyone. It is an indigenous celebration rooted in our soil, stones, water, and ancestors, which, over thousands of years, has established colors, melodies, and dances, elevating both men and women as partners in the existence of the small and the great worlds. They raised their stature, declaring that oppression and injustice must come to an end, and that no one should seek a Fereydun or any heir far from our homeland to grant them freedom. In contrast, the ruling elite’s political thought prioritizes only power and is indifferent to whether a normal society exists or whether calamities are hidden beneath the carpets of palaces and official residences, portraying themselves as happy. If they observe disparities, they expel the marginal actors of power and poison the atmosphere. Please forgive us; you have been exposed, and you will not be able to ignore the radiance of the sun, the Nowruz of Kurdistan. The image that separates us from you indicates the authentic and noble roots of this grand festival belong to us; it has permeated various regions of the Iranian Plateau and beyond through the Silk Road, symbolizing life, value, and dignity at the cost of life and humanity. This is us, with the hands of kindness, life, and dignity. It would be wise for you to learn from us and adjust your approach. Our natural, political, and human geography belongs to our people. We will protect it and bear great suffering for it, continuing to bring it to radiance.
Dr. Hiwa Panahi is a contemporary Kurdish academic, researcher, writer, poet, and independent translator. She was a researcher at the François Mitterrand Foundation and AndréaPapandreou. She holds a PhD with in political social sciences, focusing on the political sociology of Greeks, Kurds and Persian in Asia Minor Eara from Pantheon University, Greece. As a writer, she is recognized for her contributions to Classical Studies on a international scale. Her poetry appears in various anthologies, including “Austerity Measures” by Karen Van Dyke, and his literary at Columbia University.
