Is history something dead and lost to the past. Doomed to repeat itself. Or is history alive with impacts on us today? If history is alive, is it the ghosts of our ancestors living within us, or is it also like dark matter, all around us and forming our existence? If history is alive, is it being controlled and channeled by powerful states and individuals, or is it something we can reclaim for an alternative life in freedom? 

In this episode, we discuss what it means for history to be alive and how it has become a principle and method of struggle in the context of the Kurdish experience. Joining us is Nik Matheou. Nik is an activist and historian with Cypriot and Scots heritage. He is a lecturer in Global Medieval History at the University of Edinburgh, where his teaching and research focuses on radical and decolonising approaches, especially for longer, anti-Eurocentric lineages of capitalist modernity.

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On the 16th of September, 2022, Jina Amini, a young Kurdish woman, was tortured to death in Iran by the so-called ‘morality police’ for not wearing her hijab in accordance with their theocratic laws. Her murder has sparked protests in East Kurdistan (North West Iran) and throughout Iran, with large numbers of people marching on the streets and rising up to demand justice against the clerical system, and women demanding freedom and democracy.

The slogan, Jin, Jiyan, Azadî (Woman, Life, Freedom) has become a popular chant amongst protesters across Iran and the world. It has gained international recognition and has been recited within the European Parliament, displayed in Piccadilly Circus in London and has appeared on Balenciaga’s Instagram - without credit to its radical roots and history of active struggle.

But what exactly is the meaning of the slogan? Where did it come from? And why is it important to recognise its revolutionary Kurdish roots? Joining us in this episode is Dilar Dirik. Dilar is an activist, political sociologist and writer. She is currently researching and teaching at the Refugee Studies Centre at the university of Oxford, and is the author of her new book “The Kurdish Women’s Movement: History, Theory, Practise”.

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Story telling and narratives play an important role in our understanding of the world and truth. From oral traditions to strategic narratives, Kurdish society is vibrant with story telling. Tales of heroes and heroines, enemies and tyrants, struggle and suffering, and victory and virtue inspire us and pass on collective memories. But are we losing the culture of storytelling as technology and modernity advances?

Joining us is Kurdish feminist, writer, lecturer and anti-war activist Houzan Mahmoud. We discuss her new book ‘Kurdish Women’s Stories’ along with the power of stories.

The struggle for freedom in Kurdistan has resulted in different ideas and practises on how to achieve a free life. One idea gaining mass popularity is Democratic confederalism and the democratic nation. Taking a holistic, inclusive and bottom-up approach, democratic confederalism attempts to deal with the global crises we face through democratic means rather than the nation-state.

In this episode we discuss the importance of this democratic project, what it means to us and why we’re so excited about it. Joining us is Yasin Sunca, a post-doctoral research fellow at the research group world politics of Bielefled university in Germany.

Newroz, which translates to 'New Day' in English, marks the Spring Equinox, the arrival of Spring and for many the new year. It is celebrated by millions of people across West Asia, Central Asia, parts of South Asia and globally within diaspora communities. For the Kurdish people, Newroz is not just a celebration but also symbolises acts and expressions of Kurdish culture and resistance against those who have denied the Kurdish identity and existence. In this episode we spoke to Rosa Burc, political sociologist and Phd researcher at the Centre on Social Movement Studies in Florence.

On their quest for liberation, the Kurdish freedom movement often contemplates the deeper meanings behind their journey and the desired world they are building. One form of liberation is revolutionary love. Love for yourself, love for your comrades, love for humanity and love for the truth, the struggle and a free life. 
In this episode we spoke with Lave Galo, singer and songwriter, anthropology graduate and member of the Jinelogi committee in Sweden.
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Southern Kurdistan (Başurî Kurdistan in Kurdish) is facing multiple crises, from political corruption and a lack of democracy to foreign interference from states like Turkey. We wanted to know more about what is happening so in this episode Kamal Chomani and Niliufer Koc joined us on a zoom call to share their analysis. Please listen, subscribe & comment your feedback. We hope you enjoy it! Link in bio.

In this episode we discuss why we’ve created this podcast, the story behind the name and who we are. Please listen, subscribe & comment your feedback. We hope you enjoy it! We’re excited to create more content for you all! ☀️