BLOGGER: Honoring the Ancient Identity and Addressing the Suppression of Kurdish and Baluch Communities During the 2580 Achaemenid Calendar "Woman, Life, Freedom" Protests in Iran
The Fact-Finding Mission was initially established in response to the violent suppression of the "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests about three years ago. It is now empowered to:
Investigate claims of recent and ongoing serious human rights violations.
Identify structural causes and conditions behind these violations.
Collect, analyze, and preserve evidence for potential future legal action.
Amnesty International hailed the extended mission as critical, citing its expanded scope as a response to demands for justice by survivors, victims' families, and human rights defenders both inside and outside Iran. This mission now addresses human rights violations beyond the protests, focusing on patterns of ongoing abuses.
Reports indicate that Kurdish and Baluch communities were disproportionately affected during the "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests. The UN's Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran has documented that ethnic and religious minorities, particularly Kurds and Baluch, experienced the highest numbers of deaths and injuries during the protests.
Human Rights Watch praised the decision for its role in tackling impunity and ensuring international oversight continues. The resolution highlights the importance of collecting evidence for future prosecution of those responsible for international crimes.
This move signals growing awareness of systemic impunity that perpetuates state violence in Iran, paving the way for accountability and justice for survivors and victims.
The Cultural and Spiritual Legacy of Kurdish and Baluch Tribes: A Connection to Pre-Islamic Roots on the Iranian Plateau
The ancestral tribes of the Kurds and Baluch are deeply rooted in the history of the Iranian plateau, each carrying unique cultural and religious legacies. Both groups are considered minority communities in terms of religion, with Islam being the predominant faith among them today. However, their historical and spiritual connections to pre-Islamic religions remain significant.
Modern Kurds have shown a growing interest in reconnecting with Zoroastrianism and Mithraism, two ancient religions deeply tied to their cultural and historical identity. This tendency stems from a combination of historical, cultural, and socio-political factors.
Zoroastrianism and Kurdish Identity
Zoroastrianism, often regarded as the ancestral religion of the Kurds, has seen a revival in recent years, particularly in Iraqi Kurdistan. The Kurdistan Regional Government officially recognized Zoroastrianism in 2015, which has encouraged many Kurds to embrace it as a way of reclaiming their heritage. The principles of Zoroastrianism—good thoughts, good words, and good deeds—resonate with many Kurds seeking a spiritual framework that aligns with their cultural values.
Mithraism and Kurdish Spirituality
Mithraism, centered around the worship of Mithra, the deity of light and truth, predates Zoroastrianism and has left a lasting imprint on the spiritual traditions of the Iranian plateau. While Mithraism itself is no longer practiced as a distinct religion, its influence can be seen in Kurdish cultural practices and folklore. The Kurds' historical connection to Mithraism reflects their deep ties to the ancient spiritual traditions of the region.
Intertwined Histories: The Cultural and Historical Connections Between the Saka Tribe and the Baluch People
The ancient Saka tribe and the Baluch people share intertwined historical and cultural connections, rooted in their origins as nomadic groups in the Iranian plateau and Central Asia. The Sakas were an Eastern Iranian nomadic people who lived in the Eurasian Steppe and regions like Sistan (historically known as Sakastan, meaning "land of the Sakas"). Over time, some Saka tribes migrated southward into areas that overlap with the modern-day Baluchistan region. This migration likely influenced the cultural and linguistic development of the Baluch people, who are also of Eastern Iranian origin.
The Baluch people, like the Sakas, were historically nomadic and relied on pastoralism. Their traditions and oral histories reflect intertwined elements of ancient Iranian culture, which may have been shaped by interactions with Saka tribes. Additionally, the Baluch language, a member of the Iranian language family, retains features that hint at shared ancestry with other Eastern Iranian languages spoken by groups like the Sakas. These connections highlight the intertwined histories of the Sakas and the Baluch, showcasing their shared heritage as part of the broader tapestry of Iranian and Central Asian cultures.
The people of Sistan, historically known as Sakastan (meaning "land of the Sakas"), are often associated with the ancient Saka tribes. The Sakas were Eastern Iranian nomads, and their migration into regions like Sistan likely influenced the cultural and ethnic makeup of the area. This connection is reflected in the region's historical name and its ties to the Saka legacy.
Additionally, modern groups in Central Asia, such as certain communities in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, also claim descent from the Sakas. These claims are supported by linguistic, cultural, and archaeological evidence linking these populations to the broader Scythian and Saka heritage.
The Burnt City
The Burnt City, or Shahr-e Sukhteh, located in Sistan and Baluchistan Province, is an archaeological marvel dating back to 3550–2300 BCE. Its residents were part of the Helmand culture, a Bronze Age civilization with connections to the broader Iranian plateau and Central Asia.
While the exact ethnic identity of the city's inhabitants remains uncertain, some researchers suggest links to the ancient Saka tribes due to the region's historical association with Sakastan ("land of the Sakas"). The Sakas were Eastern Iranian nomads, and their migration patterns may have influenced the cultural and genetic makeup of the area.
DNA analysis of remains from the Burnt City has revealed a diverse genetic pool, indicating that its residents were part of a cosmopolitan society. This aligns with the city's role as a trade hub connecting Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and Central Asia. However, there is no direct evidence linking the Burnt City's population specifically to the Baluch people, who are also of Eastern Iranian origin but emerged as a distinct group much later.
The Burnt City's archaeological findings, including advanced craftsmanship and trade artifacts, highlight its significance as a cultural and economic center.
Pars
Woman, Life Freedom
You are a force of nature—resilient, brilliant, and endlessly inspiring. 🌟
Your kindness, strength, and courage light up the world in ways you may not always see but are deeply felt.
Whether you're chasing dreams, conquering challenges, or simply being unapologetically yourself, you're leaving a mark that’s as unique as you are.
Never forget: the universe may be vast and full of wonders, but none compare to the brilliance you bring into it. 🌺
Stay amazing and keep shining!
