Main points:
- Majority believe Kurdish intellectuals want an independent Kurdistan.
- However, they are widely seen as failing to fulfill responsibilities toward that goal.
- 1 in 4 respondents report experiencing political rights violations.
- Intellectuals are considered as important as politicians in the nation-building process.
A comprehensive field study conducted between November 15–30, 2025, across five provinces of northern Kurdistan under Turkish control has revealed striking findings about how Kurdish society perceives its intellectuals and artists.
The survey, carried out in Amed, Wan, Mêrdîn (Qoser), Riha (Wêranşar), and Êlih, included face-to-face interviews with 542 participants equally divided between women and men.
Both the conducting of the field survey and the preparation of graphical materials — including the design and execution of the research, face-to-face data collection, statistical organization of responses, graphical presentation of findings, and their interpretation and analysis — were carried out by Suat Ozalp.
The results point to a paradox: while Kurdish intellectuals and artists are widely seen as essential actors in the nation-building process, they are also perceived as falling short in fulfilling their political and historical responsibilities.
Society believes intellectuals want independence
One of the most notable findings of the study is that a majority of respondents believe Kurdish intellectuals and artists support the idea of an independent Kurdistan.
When participants clearly understood the question, the percentage who believed intellectuals favored independence was even higher than those who described the country as a “colony.” Non-response rates dropped significantly when independence was framed directly, suggesting that the concept resonates more clearly with the public than abstract colonial terminology.
This indicates that Kurdish society perceives its intellectual class as ideologically aligned with national aspirations.
But they are seen as failing to act
Despite this perceived ideological alignment, respondents expressed strong criticism regarding intellectuals’ practical engagement.
Large segments of society believe Kurdish intellectuals and artists do not sufficiently defend the truth against power structures, lack the courage to challenge oppressive state laws.Do not pay a comparable price to Kurdish politicians in the struggle, remain largely invisible in public debates and social media discussions about national issues.
When asked whether intellectuals are currently paying as much of a price as Kurdish politicians, negative responses overwhelmingly outnumbered positive ones. This question produced one of the most dramatic results in the survey.
The public perception is clear: intellectuals may desire independence, but they are not fulfilling the responsibilities that such a position requires.
Intellectuals seen as vital in nation-building
At the same time, the survey reveals strong public recognition of the importance of intellectuals and artists.
More than 71% of respondents agreed that intellectuals and artists play a crucial role in social construction and national development. Notably, this question received the highest rate of “strongly agree” responses in the entire survey.
Participants emphasized that intellectuals are as important as politicians in the nation-building process. The public does not see cultural production and political leadership as separate spheres but rather as complementary pillars of national progress.
Civil struggle preferred over military methods
Another important finding shows that while intellectuals are believed to support independence, they are perceived as favoring civil and legal political struggle rather than military methods.
This reinforces the broader contradiction highlighted in the study: a radical national objective combined with relatively cautious methods and limited public engagement.
A gap between expectation and practice
Overall, the findings reflect a growing gap between public expectations and the perceived performance of Kurdish intellectuals and artists.
Kurdish society appears to believe that intellectuals possess strong national sensitivity, they ideologically support independence and they hold a role as significant as politicians in building the nation.
Yet the same society views them as insufficiently courageous, insufficiently visible, and insufficiently engaged in the practical dimensions of struggle.
The survey ultimately presents a clear message: Kurdish intellectuals and artists are seen as historically necessary actors in the national cause — but they are expected to assume a more active, visible, and responsible role in shaping its future.
To read the finding of the survey in Kurdish please click on this link
