--- title: "What is the relationship between Turks and Kurds in Iraq?" description: "What is the relationship between Turks and Kurds in Iraq?" author: "Sanjay Goenka" published: 2023-07-03 updated: 2023-07-03 canonical: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/100167/what-is-the-relationship-between-turks-and-kurds-in-iraq category: "international society, international groups, international countries" tags: ["international countries"] reading_time: 3 minutes --- # What is the relationship between Turks and Kurds in Iraq? ## Answers ### Answer by Yashna Bawa The [relationship](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/54917/how-to-keep-her-happy-in-a-long-distance-relationship) between Turks and Kurds in Iraq is complex and has been characterized by both cooperation and conflict. On the one hand, there are strong economic ties between the two groups. Turkey is a major [trading](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/302522/the-basics-of-forex-trading-what-you-need-to-know-to-get-started) partner for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), and many Kurds in Iraq have family members or other ties to Turkey. In addition, the [Turkish government](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/99084/which-assistance-did-india-provide-to-the-victims-of-turkey-s-earthquake) has provided [military](https://www.mindstick.com/news/3326/navic-is-a-crucial-technology-for-india-s-development-encompassing-business-economy-and-military) and [financial](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/23324/9-ways-to-improve-your-business-s-success-rate) support to the KRI in its fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). On the other hand, there is also a [history](https://www.mindstick.com/news/2422/in-testing-on-windows-the-whatsapp-desktop-call-history-tab-was-discovered) of conflict between Turks and Kurds in Iraq. The Turkish government has long been opposed to Kurdish separatism, and it has been accused of [human rights](https://www.mindstick.com/news/3614/el-salvador-brings-freedom-visa-program-based-on-bitcoin-cryptocurrency) abuses against Kurds in Turkey and Iraq. In addition, the Turkish military has carried out cross-border [operations](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/304985/how-does-devops-bridge-the-gap-between-development-and-operations-teams-like-git) into Iraq against Kurdish PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party) militants. ![What is the relationship between Turks and Kurds in Iraq?](https://answers.mindstick.com/questionanswer/7226f6c8-49c3-4525-a25a-1f7c417f0c2c/images/9012236b-210d-4de8-bff0-79314f809fea.jpg) In recent years, there have been some attempts to improve relations between Turks and Kurds in Iraq. In 2014, the Turkish government and the KRI signed a [security agreement,](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/302265/smart-contracts-in-blockchain-technology) and in 2017, they agreed to establish a joint economic zone. However, these efforts have been met with resistance from some quarters, and the relationship between Turks and Kurds in Iraq remains fragile. It is important to note that the relationship between Turks and Kurds in Iraq is not monolithic. There are a variety of different views within both groups, and the relationship can vary depending on the specific context. However, the overall relationship is complex and characterized by both cooperation and conflict. Here are some additional details about the relationship between Turks and Kurds in Iraq: - The KRI is a semi-autonomous region in northern Iraq. It is home to about 5 million Kurds, who make up about 15% of the population of Iraq. - The Turkish government has long been opposed to Kurdish separatism. In 1984, the PKK launched an armed insurgency against the Turkish government. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people. - In recent years, there have been some attempts to improve relations between Turkey and the KRI. However, these efforts have been met with resistance from some quarters, and the relationship remains fragile. The relationship between Turks and Kurds in Iraq is a complex and important issue. It is a relationship that is shaped by history, [politics](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/311027/what-is-bipartisanship-really), and economics. It is also a relationship that is constantly evolving. --- Original Source: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/100167/what-is-the-relationship-between-turks-and-kurds-in-iraq Copyright © MindStick Software Pvt. Ltd. This Markdown version is provided for developers, AI systems, and offline reading.