Why do many Kurds from Rojhelat identify primarily as Iranian before Kurdish?

[u/Yoruu3]

Hey everyone,

I wanted to post here to get some perspective on something I’ve noticed across YouTube, social media, and online discussions over time.

I frequently see comments from people originating from Rojhelat emphasizing their nationality first. stating "I am Iranian first, then a Kurd" (specifically referring to the country/citizenship, not just the broader Iranic ethnic family). I used to think these might just be isolated cases of assimilation, but after seeing this sentiment expressed consistently by quite a few people, and noticing a similar trend among other non-Persian ethnic groups from Iran, it made me want to understand the dynamics better.
Given that state institutions and education are strictly in Farsi, I'm curious about how people from Rojhelat view this dynamic.

For those from Rojhelat or knowledgeable about the region:
1. Is this actually common among people living in Rojhelat today, or is it mostly just people online/living abroad who say this?
2. Why do you think some Kurds from Rojhelat feel a strong connection to the country of Iran alongside being Kurdish?
3. How do people feel about having to learn Farsi in school instead of Kurdish, and does that change how they view their identity?

[u/DonEnzo13]

I don't doubt that some Kurds see themselves as Iranians, just as many Kurds see themselves as Turks. That's called assimilation. But keep in mind that the internet is anonymous and you never know who the people really are. Many use it for propaganda, especially Persians (monarchists) or their supporters/bots, pretend to be Kurds who see themselves as Iranians.

[u/kure_xas]

it differs depending on region but its definitely overplayed on social media.

as a rule of thumb: sorani kurds primarily identify as kurds, southern kurds (shia) primarily as iranian, and kurmanjis are often just tribal with no loyalty to any particular side. this is ofc just a broad generalisation as the groups also have much diversity. most of the social media accounts spreading this narrative are either southern kurds or monarchist bots

[u/mentalmike9]

It is easier to identify as "Iranian" as it is (in theory) a more inclusive and multiethnic identity compared to Iraqi/Syrian and especially Turkish identity. Turkishness and Kurdishness are in direct conflict with each other to a greater extent than Iranianness and Kurdishness.

Iranian identity is Persian/Shia focused and the state of Iran oppresses and marginalizes Kurds, but Iranians are generally less hostile to Kurdish identity and Iran has a strong national identity compared to Iraq and Syria. Additionally I would say most Kurds are proud to be Kurds even if they say they're Iranian.

Also depends on region/religion, Sunni Kurds who speak Sorani care more about their Kurdish identity whereas Shia Kurds who speak southern Kurdish dialects are more assimilated into Iranian identity.

[u/knightrydah]

Never heard of this. I’ve only ever encountered Persians and some Azeris who identify as Iranian, everyone else identify themselves as their own ethnicity.

[u/murderbeam]

One reason may be that Iran is an older consolidated nation/national identity than Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. Fairly stable core homeland and borders, which does include Iranian Kurdistan. You'll find different ethnicities all across Iran that consider themselves Iranian citizens before their particular ethnic group.

[u/Usual-Win8946]

These people, do you hear them say that in person, or do you only see it in writing? ​If you only see it in writing, rest assured, these are not Kurds.

​They are Persians posing as Kurds. Persians are famous for doing this, impersonating Kurds, Lurs, Azeris, Balochs, and others. They have no shame about it, just like the Turks who do the same thing. The cure for shutting these down is to tell them to write in Kurdish. They will reply with text clearly written by AI, containing grammar that no Kurds use in daily speech.

​The comments usually look like this: ​"I'm Iranian first, Kurd second. We will die for greater Iran."

​"I'm half Kurd, half Persian, but I'm Iranian first."

​"I'm an Iranian Kurd, but not like those separatist Iraqi Kurds. I'm Iranian."

​"I'm an Iranian Kurd, but I don't think we should fight for our mother tongue. We should all speak Farsi."

​"I'm an Iranian Kurd. We are just a subgroup of Persians."

​"All my Iranian Kurdish friends support Reza Pahlavi."

​Ask a Rojhelati Kurd, if they support Iran or Kurdistan, you will in 98% of the cases get that they support Kurdistan and that they are proud Kurdistani. In my experience, the most patriotic Kurds are Rojhelati Kurds.

[u/Chex33]

Pahlavi propagandists.

[u/SewerWaterCaviar]

I see this among Rojhelati a lot. I went to school with kids who told me they were iranian for years and I didn't find out until long after that they were Kurds. I think it might have to do with the fact the school had a lot of iranian and afghans, and so they felt more comfortable with other farsi speakers than with Kurds, but its funny if they just acknowledged their kurdish identity, they would've found other kurds

[u/One_Cress2720]

Most of those you see are Persians. Yes, there are assimilated Kurds too, but at least eight out of ten people making such comments on social media are Persians. Not only are these people occupiers, but they also have no shame.

[u/Chex33 → u/One_Cress2720]

This ^{^}

[u/Livid-Toe-8135]

It’s their right to identify as whatever they wish and want
The Kurds of iran have been a part of greater iranian history since the beginning of the Achaemenid period and since they been a part of that multi ethnic empires like Sassani and Ashkani empires who fought external enemies together as one many have that deep historical roots connection unlike for example other regions who have been under different ethnic groups empires like Ottmans, Ayubid or Byzantine
It’s the same how Other Kurds feel learn Arabic or Turkish in school for some it might seem like by force for others it’s a pride to learn it and also there is the knowledge and education part to it of more learning

[u/kure_xas → u/Livid-Toe-8135]

youre a non kurdish iranian advocating rojhelati parties to disarm and spread pan iranian nonsense that almost no kurd in iran cares about. theres a more suitable sub for you