Life for the Kurds

The Kurdish people make up about 10-12 percent of the Syrian population. While the other minority groups are free to celebrate their identities under the Syrian government, the Kurds have faced political, social, cultural, and economic persecution. 

Throughout her life in Syria, Rinaz witnessed the Syrian government implement a plan to erase and destroy the Kurdish identity. This included:

• prohibiting the use and publication of Kurdish books and materials

• changing names of Kurdish towns to Arabic names

• restricting use of Kurdish language 

Meanwhile, Rinaz watched as other groups were given the freedom to practice their language, culture, and traditions freely while the Kurds were left voiceless. Rinaz was lucky to have a wealthy upbringing which was not common for many Kurds, but she still remained conscious of the governments efforts to target Kurds.