The Kurds

Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

Cultural Research on The Kurds

. The Kurdish people are farm people, and agriculture is there primary means of substenance. The attire, music, religion and diet of the Kurdish people are very specific to their culture. Barth,F(1953) DOI: 10.1111/1468-2346.12017 Volume 89 issue 2 pages 282-289

On the foot hills of Iran, Iraq and Turkey, the Kurdish people live on very rich soil. This soil allows them to grow wheat, barley, vegetables and a lot of different cereals. Maize, soy beans, and sunflowers also grows well in their rich soil. (Mehrdad R. Izady,(1992) The Kurds A Concise Handbook)

The foods that the Kurdish people eat varies depending on the regions there in. The most common foods consumed by the Kurdish people are grains, beans legumes, rice, chickpeas lentils, cucumbers, onions, and radishes. Meals are of great importance in this culture. Lamb is popular, and stews are made with dried and fruits. When food is served at Celebrations such as, festivals funerals and weddings It is a big deal. What ever is in season will be served, If the host serves mutton, lamb or chicken over rice pilaf this is a status symbol indicating, the host is well off. A casserole of meat, eggplant or bean stew are prepared by the not so well off.(Mutfak, kurt 2003) Kurdish food culture) Meals are eaten seated on the floor around a low round wooden table with a cloth spreaded over the table or on the carpeted floor. All the food is set out at once Lamb, Chicken and beef are served with vegetables. The preparation of the meals take up most of the Kurdish women’s day. (Mutfak, kurt 2003) Kurdish food culture)

Kurdish religion is Muslim, seventy five percent are Sunni Muslim and five to seven percent are Shi’ite Muslim. There is a minority of Kurds that are Jewish or Christian. The difference between Sunni Muslim and Shi’ite Muslim...