Rojhilat

 

Rojhilat (Eastern Kurdistan): Geography, Population, Culture, and History

Geography

Rojhilat, or Eastern Kurdistan, refers to the Kurdish-inhabited regions of western and northwestern Iran. Geographically, it includes the provinces of Kurdistan, Kermanshah, Ilam, West Azerbaijan, and parts of Hamadan. The area is dominated by the Zagros Mountains, which have historically shaped the region's development, offering both protection and isolation.

The terrain is mostly mountainous with valleys and high plateaus, which impacts agriculture, settlement patterns, and accessibility. This rugged landscape has also played a role in preserving local traditions and resisting central authority throughout history.

Population

It is estimated that 7 to 10 million Kurds live in Rojhilat, although exact numbers are difficult to determine due to the lack of official ethnic statistics in Iran. The Kurdish population primarily speaks the Kurmancî and Soranî dialects of Kurdish.

Most Kurds in the region are Sunni Muslims, in contrast to Iran’s Shia Muslim majority. There are also Shia Kurds, and followers of Yarsanism (also known as Ahl-e Haqq or Kaka’i), which is a distinct syncretic faith with roots in Kurdish culture.

Culture

Rojhilat’s culture is rich and diverse, deeply rooted in Kurdish identity. Traditional music, storytelling, handicrafts, folk dances (like Govend), and vibrant clothing are central to daily life and cultural expression.

The Kurdish New Year, Newroz (March 21), is a major cultural celebration, symbolizing resistance and renewal. Despite state restrictions, Kurdish language and culture persist through oral traditions, underground publications, and grassroots efforts.

Iran does not officially recognize Kurdish as a language of instruction, which has led to efforts by Kurdish communities to preserve their language and culture independently.

History

Eastern Kurdistan has played a central role in modern Kurdish political history. In 1946, the Republic of Mahabad was established with Soviet support in the city of Mahabad. Although short-lived, it remains a powerful symbol in Kurdish nationalist memory. Qazi Muhammad, the president of the republic, was later executed by the Iranian state.

After the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Kurds hoped for greater autonomy and recognition. Instead, they faced military crackdowns, and Kurdish areas were heavily militarized. Armed conflicts broke out between Kurdish groups and the Islamic Republic.

In more recent years, the region has seen growing demands not only for ethnic rights but also for women’s rights, environmental justice, and broader political reforms.

Political and Social Situation

The Iranian government continues to suppress expressions of Kurdish identity, especially through bans on Kurdish education and the imprisonment of activists. Nevertheless, Kurdish society in Rojhilat remains active in cultural and political life.

Groups like PJAK (Party for a Free Life in Kurdistan) have engaged in armed resistance against the Iranian state, though many Kurds also participate in peaceful civil society movements, including literature, journalism, education, and art.

Rojhilat (Eastern Kurdistan) represents a vital part of the broader Kurdish homeland. Despite facing political repression and cultural suppression, the Kurdish people of Rojhilat have maintained a resilient identity rooted in their language, land, and traditions.

The region continues to be a symbol of resistance, cultural richness, and the struggle for self-determination within the modern Iranian state.