The Iraqi Turkmen (1921-2005)

Abstract

This thesis evaluates the situation of the Iraqi Turkmen between 1921-2005 in terms of the important developments in Iraq. The Iraqi Turkmen could not organize politically due to the oppressive Iraqi regimes in the period between 1921-1991. They started to carry out political activities openly after the Gulf War II in Northern Iraq. The Turkmen who are the third largest ethnic population in Iraq, pursue the policy of keeping the integrity of Iraqi territory, enjoying the same equal rights as the other ethnic groups and being a founding member in the constitution. The Turkmen are still maintaining their political activities to prove their existence in Iraq even in 2005. Turkey has defended the idea that the Turkmen should have the same political, social and cultural rights as the other ethnic groups in Iraq. The future of Kirkuk where the Turkmen live would be a model for Iraq or the start of serious conflicts.