Social Thought in Central Kurdish Haiku

Abstract

Haiku is a well-known form of Japanese poetry, consisting of seventeen syllables, and is deeply rooted in Japanese language and culture. However, today, haiku is recognized worldwide and is one of the most popular forms of poetry. Poets outside Japan have adapted this style to suit their own languages and cultures, often deviating from traditional Japanese conventions.

The presence of haiku in Kurdish literature is relatively new, with only a few years of history. Despite this, it has carved out a unique place within Kurdish literary traditions. Kurdish poets have adapted the form to reflect Kurdish life, language, and culture, producing high texts that portray the region’s nature and social values. Like other non-Japanese Poets, Kurdish poets do not strictly follow the classical Japanese rules. However, they have managed to preserve the essential elements of haiku, such as its three-line structure, momentary, brevity, use of “cutting,” and element of surprise.

Kurdish haiku has its own distinct characteristics in terms of both structure and mentality. Social themes play a significant role, with many haikus reflecting aspects of Kurdish society. By examining the works of Central Kurdish haiku poets, we can see a range of social topics explored, including poverty, women, motherhood, societal influences, and critiques of social issues.