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.

Subscribe to our newsletter, https://mailchi.mp/0f139b003140/pomegranate-podcast

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @PomegranatePod

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”.

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Subscribe to our mailing list!

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.