Introduction

It’s important to clarify that both Iran and Turkey have complex relationships with their Kurdish populations, but their approaches and circumstances differ:

Iran’s Approach

Iran does have tensions with its Kurdish population:

After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Kurds rebelled when their demands for greater autonomy were not met.

The Iranian government has pursued policies of “institutional securitization” against Kurds, portraying their ethnic demands as a threat to the state.

Kurdish regions in Iran face economic hardship and discrimination.

However, Iran’s approach is somewhat different from Turkey’s:

Iranian Kurdish political parties generally do not advocate for separation, but rather for autonomy within Iran.

Iran’s tactics often involve economic and political pressure rather than large-scale military operations.

Turkey’s Approach

Turkey’s conflict with its Kurdish population is more intense and militarized:

Turkey has been engaged in a long-standing armed conflict with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) since the 1980s, resulting in over 40,000 fatalities.

The Turkish government has taken a more aggressive stance, including military operations in Kurdish areas both within and outside its borders.

Turkey has suppressed Kurdish political representation, including removing elected Kurdish mayors and replacing them with government appointees.

Key Differences

Scale of Conflict

Turkey’s conflict with Kurdish groups, particularly the PKK, has been more prolonged and violent.

Political Representation

While both countries restrict Kurdish political activities, Turkey’s suppression of Kurdish political parties has been more severe in recent years.

Regional Dynamics

Turkey’s concerns about Kurdish autonomy are heightened by the existence of autonomous Kurdish regions in neighboring countries, particularly in Iraq and Syria.

Conclusion

Both countries have tensions with their Kurdish populations, but Turkey’s approach has been characterized by more intense military conflict and political suppression, partly due to different historical, geographical, and political factors.