There are estimated to be more than 40 million Kurds
throughout the world today, with about 1/3 living
outside of the Middle East and Kurdistan (a region that
stretches over Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran). As a
minority in these countries, the Kurds have struggled
for independence throughout history and into recent
times; and have often been oppressed, persecuted, and
deported from their land. The purpose of this volume is
to introduce readers to the Kurdish people, their
cultural traditions, and their stories.This unique
collection includes many tales never before published in
English. It can serve as both a resource for educators
and librarians who work with Kurdish children and their
families abroad, and as a resource for storytellers,
folklorists and scholars. Some twenty-five tales are
presented, representing all regions of Kurdistan and the
four main Kurdish dialects - from the Kurdish Cinderella
story and animal stories to stories based on legendary
figures (e.g., Rustim Ezal - the Kurdish Hercules) -
organised by tale type.Many of these stories have been
collected from contemporary Kurdish storytellers, with
others translated and adapted from transcripts of oral
tellings and small tale collections in the Kurdish
dialect. Background information on the people, their
history, their land, and their customs is provided,
along with colour photos, a glossary, and sample
recipes, crafts, and games. |
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