The Story

Humanitarian context and verified donation links — focused on civilians.

Who are the Kurds?

A brief, humanitarian context — information only.

The Kurds are a people native to the Middle East, with communities living across parts of what are today Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria. They share distinct languages and cultural traditions, and their modern history has been shaped by shifting borders and different levels of legal recognition across countries.

Across the region, civilians have repeatedly faced displacement and long periods of instability. Families are often forced to rebuild their lives with limited access to healthcare, education, and basic services — and children and other vulnerable groups are usually the most affected.

North & East Syria (Rojava)

In North and East Syria, often referred to as Rojava, Kurdish communities live alongside other ethnic and religious groups.

Years of conflict and repeated displacement have placed heavy pressure on civilian life. Humanitarian support remains essential — especially when services and infrastructure are fragile or interrupted.

Stories in images

A Kurdish mother holding her child at a refugee camp near Turkey’s border with Iraq, 1991.

A mother and child at a refugee camp near Turkey’s border with Iraq (1991).

Wikimedia Commons — Public domain (Voice of America)
Kurdish refugees from Kobane (Syria) at a camp near Suruç, Turkey.

Displaced families from Kobane (Syria) in a camp near Suruç, Turkey.

Wikimedia Commons — Public domain (Voice of America)
A grandmother and her grandchild at a Nowruz gathering in Kurdistan Province, Iran, 2017.

A grandmother and grandchild during a Nowruz gathering (Kurdistan Province, Iran, 2017).

Wikimedia Commons — see license on source page
Entrance to the Khasir camp as displaced civilians wait to enter, 2016.

At the entrance of the Khasir camp as displaced civilians wait to enter (2016).

Wikimedia Commons — Public domain (J. Dettmer / Voice of America)
A refugee camp spread across open fields during Operation Provide Comfort.

A refugee camp spread across open fields during Operation Provide Comfort.

Wikimedia Commons — Public domain (U.S. federal government / DPLA)
Refugees gathering at a health clinic and water purification station.

Families gathering at a health clinic and water purification station.

Wikimedia Commons — Public domain (U.S. federal government / DPLA)

Credits are shown per image.

Map

A simple map to provide geographical context.

Map showing Kurdish-inhabited areas (historical reference)

Source: Wikimedia Commons

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