Curated OER
Saddam Hussein and Modern Iraq
Take your class through a moment in modern history in this presentation, which details the rise of Saddam Hussein and the dynamics between Iraq and its neighbors during the Persian Gulf War and the current Iraq war. Though slightly...
Curated OER
Explore the Motivations of Kurdish Nationalists
Students watch a video showing the viewpoint of Kurdish Nationalists. They take notes during the video on why the Kurds want their own country. They role play a meeting between the Kurds and Iraq's National Assembly.
Curated OER
No Friends but the Mountains: A Simulation on Kurdistan
Students read background information on the people of Kurdistan and explore the geographical, political and ethnic history of the region. They participate in a debate where they role-play various points of view in the conflict.
Curated OER
When Is A Rug Not A Rug? A Cultural Cmparison: The Kurds and The Turkmen
High schoolers compare and contrast the Kurds and Turkmen ways of living. Individually they read information about the homes, their designs, and customs. Students write essays about how they would make a Kurd or Turk welcome in their home.
Country Studies US
Country Studies: Iraq
An excellent source of information on Iraq from The Library of Congress. Includes information on geography, society, economy, transportation, government and politics, and national security.
PBS
Pbs: Frontline: Calming Tensions Between Arabs and Iraqi Kurds
The Kurds and Arabs have had ongoing tensions throughout history. The presence of the U.S. in Iraq during the war has taken soldiers from helping create a free nation to smoothing the waters between these two cultures. This learning...
PBS
Pbs News Hour: The Role of the Kurds, Sunnis, and Shiites in Iraq
A way to discuss the complex formation of the Iraqi government with students. This lesson plan shows students the different ethnic groups within Iraq and how their views and opinions effect not only Iraq but the surrounding countries and...
Other
Who Are the Kurds
An official investment site for the new Kurdistan, students can find excellent information on the Kurds throughout history and their bid for modern day peace.
New York Times
New York Times: Ethnic and Sectarian Tensions in Iraq
An interactive map that shows the different ethnic groups throughout Iraq. The map has video and audio and tries to explain the relationships and conflicts between the three main groups in Iraq. (25 June 2006)
Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch: Turkey: Kurdish Party Members' Trial Violates Rights
This article discusses the trial of 152 pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party members and the implications of the trial for Turkey's stringent anti-terrorist laws. (April 18, 2011)
BBC
Bbc History: Iraq Conflict in Context
A page full of articles and interactive links that looks at the history of Iraq, the current situation, and possible reasons for the constant conflict. Archived.
CBS
Cbs News: Religions
An interactive map that gives an overview of the different religions that make up Iraq. Shows where each religion is concentrated and what areas of the country it controls.
Digital Dialects
Digital Dialects: Kurdish Language
Get a start learning the language of the Kurds with this introduction to vocabulary. Challenge recognition and understanding through online games.
Digital Dialects
Digital Dialects: Learn Zazaki
Study an Iranian language spoken most commonly in eastern Turkey. Beginners will find common phrases, greetings, and vocabulary to learn and play games for guided practice.
New York Times
New York Times: Evolution of Islam
Interactive media timeline that gives a brief description of Islam, the spread of Islam, the different Islamic groups, and the conflict in the Middle East.
Other
Aljazeera.com: Iraqi Kurds Fight for Independence
This resource presents an account which describes the efforts of the Kurdish minority to obtain their rights and freedoms under the new Iraqi government. (21 March 2004)
Other
Teachable moment.org: Iraq: Shiites, Sunnis, Kurds, Americans, and Problems
An analysis of the new government in Iraq and how the different ethnic groups will work into the new government. Case studies for students and ideas for follow up activities after this instructional activity.
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Yezidis
Learn about the culture of the Yezidis people. Explore topics such as their history, economy, past settlements, cultural values, religion, and sociopolitical organization.
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Kurds
Learn about the culture of the Kurds. Explore topics such as their history, economy, past settlements, cultural values, religion, and sociopolitical organization.
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Kurds
The Kurds have inhabited an area of rugged mountains and high plains at the headwaters of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers for over two thousand years. Their traditional mode of subsistence is pastoralism and agriculture. The territory...
Other
Rayment: The Gulf War
A good resource on the Gulf War with many indexed links to background information, photos, maps and much more.