Kurdish Studies Initiative
The Kurdish Studies Initiative at the University of Toronto is an academic and community platform dedicated to advancing research, teaching, and public engagement on Kurdish history, culture, language, and politics. Rooted in the legacy of Professor Amir Hassanpour, the Initiative brings together scholars, students, and community partners to explore Kurdish life and creativity across Kurdistan and its diasporas. Through courses, archives, public events, and future language programs, it aims to build a lasting home for Kurdish Studies in Canada and foster dialogue between the university and the broader Kurdish community.
You can help build and sustain the Kurdish Studies Initiative by making a tax-deductible donation through the University of Toronto’s secure giving portal. All contributions are eligible for a charitable tax receipt and credit. Supporters may also include a note indicating that their donation should be directed toward the Kurdish Culture and Scholarship Week or related programs. Your generosity directly strengthens Kurdish teaching, research, and cultural programming at the University.
Kurdish Studies: A Critical Introduction
- This course offers an engaging introduction to the rich and diverse world of Kurdish life. Together, we will explore the traditions, creativity, and everyday experiences of the Kurdish people, while also reflecting on their struggles and remarkable achievements. Our journey will take us across the many regions of Kurdistan and into its global diasporas, giving us space to think critically about the challenges Kurds face today and the ways they continue to shape the social and political life of the Middle East. Along the way, we will read both classic and contemporary works in Kurdish studies and place them in conversation with broader debates in Middle East studies. The course is designed to invite curiosity, dialogue, and reflection, helping us build a thoughtful and nuanced understanding of Kurdish identities and the complex histories and forces that have shaped them.
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