I lived in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, for two years, and I got to know many locals, their habits, and their customs and traditions.
In this article, we’ll look at 12 fascinating and positive Kurdish customs and traditions about the Kurdish people that you probably didn’t know!
Quick introduction to the Kurds
The Kurdish people are an ethnic group native to the Middle East, living primarily in the regions of Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey.
The Iraqi Kurds make up a large portion of the Kurdish population, with millions of Kurds living in northern Iraq, Iraqi Kurdistan.
Kurds live in various settings, from rural villages in the mountains to modern cities like Erbil.
Thinking of Visiting Iraqi Kurdistan?
Read my full guide on where to stay in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistans capital, to find the best hotels and areas.
Kurdish Customs & Traditions
Over the years of living in Kurdistan I noticed many customs and traditions that make the Kurds so special
1. In Kurdistan, they love to make conversation
One of the first things I noticed in Erbil is that whenever you want to ask someone a question, people have a conversation before you get to the point.
I’m from the Netherlands, where most people are very direct.
Let’s say you want to buy curtains and walk into a store. In The Netherlands, I would just ask, hello, what’s the price of these curtains?
In Kurdistan, this doesn’t happen! Whenever I walk into a store, it goes like this: Hello, how are you? I’m doing fine, how are you? Also fine, thank you. How’s business going? It’s going well, thank you. How is the family? What kind of curtains do you have? We have these curtains. What’s the price of them?
I think it’s such a nice thing to have this kind of small talk before asking a question.
Wherever you go in Kurdistan, this is very common.
2. Kurds love the outdoors!
Well, sure, who doesn’t love the outdoors?
But the Kurds have made picnicking and BBQing a national sport.
What fascinates me so much is that when they go outside for a picnic, they find a nice spot with some grass and set up camp there.
It doesn’t matter if it’s right next to the highway or any road. They will set up camp anywhere with the whole family.
And with the national sport, I mean that literally the entire city goes outside the city on the weekend for a picnic; there are crazy traffic jams when the weather is just perfect for a picnic!
3. Giving Kurdish advice
Another fascinating thing I’ve experienced with Kurdish folks is that whenever you buy something custom-made, like curtains, they will tell you what’s the best choice.
Even if I would say I like these curtains, this is what I want. They might say, That doesn’t look nice; this and this will look better. And I was thinking, but I’m the customer! They will still advise on what they feel is best, sometimes to the point of not selling you what you want!
This is so fascinating; they care more about selling the right product than making money.
4. Paying the bill the Kurdish way
I’m from the Netherlands, and the most common thing is that whenever the bill in a restaurant comes, you split it. You go, Dutch!
It’s even a famous expression. (I wonder if that’s great…)
Even when the amount is 10 euros, we split it.
But in Kurdistan, whenever you go out to dinner with Kurdish folks, they insist that they pay!
It’s not like “how about if I pay” Nope, they try to get the bill before you can and pay without you ever seeing it!
And whenever you propose to pay, they will not let you. Up to the point that it becomes a struggle, you really have to make an effort to pay!
It’s another way to show their generosity.
5. Kurds love Kurdish music
Kurds love their Kurdish music.
This sounds obvious, but they love it a lot!
Most cars driving by will play Kurdish music, and you will also hear Kurdish songs at bars and clubs.
Western, let’s say, house music isn’t common at all (which was actually popular in China).
I noticed this quite quickly since I’ve been DJing for 15 years.
Also, at weddings, you can listen to Kurdish music. And not just a few songs—nope, they dance to the music for hours!
When I attended a Kurdish wedding, I joined the Kurdish dance and figured it would only take about 15 minutes, but it was at least 2 hours!
Even when you’re outdoors or hiking in the mountains, they will bring wireless speakers to play Kurdish songs.
The great thing is that the music is always very upbeat and energetic, which just adds to the atmosphere of being in Kurdistan.
6. Next-level Hospitality
I could name many instances where I experienced great Kurdish hospitality, such as at a Kurdish wedding, during hiking, or from our neighbors. But one time, my wife’s Kurdish colleague invited us to a BBQ in the mountains.
His friends and family arranged a BBQ with anything you can imagine: vegetables, meat, kebabs, fish, fruit, drinks, and fresh-baked Kurdish flatbread (which is delicious!). I honestly could not remember having ever experienced that kind of hospitality.
Interestingly, some areas of the mountains belong to certain families. This family has their own area on top of a mountain with an incredible view!
7. Kurds are very willing to help
Once, our car had a flat tire in front of our house, and we had to change it.
When I was figuring out how to do that, our Kurdish neighbor saw us and came outside to help us and offer us tea and coffee.
We had never met him before because we had just moved in, but he saw we needed help and came outside immediately, and offered tea—so lovely!
Another instance occurred when I was exploring Rawanduz. I saw a hill that would be perfect for a nice photo.
A car was parked right on top of the hill. It was no problem at all; there was plenty of room to take great photos. But the car’s owner saw me and came up to me right away and said that he would move his car so I could take better pictures!
I was astounded and thanked him for the nice gesture.
The photo turned out to be pretty epic!
8. Kurdish 5 minutes
In the Netherlands, you must be on time when you make an appointment.
The Dutch are famous for their punctuality. Even if you are 5 minutes late, you must let the other person know you will be 5 minutes late, so stressful!
This is very different in Kurdistan; if you make an appointment at 2 pm, it can be 2 pm, but it could also be 3 pm.
In Kurdistan, there is a much more relaxed way of making an appointment. There even is a saying, is the appointment in an hour or a Kurdish hour?
9. Kurds are proud of their heritage
The Kurdish people are among the proudest people I’ve ever met. You’ll surely see the flag everywhere you go when you visit Kurdistan, but you will also see many folks in traditional Kurdish clothing.
They wear them a lot on special holidays and on regular days. What’s so great about this is that, as a travel photographer, it provides opportunities for some amazing photos.
Just walking around the citadel area will provide many great photo ops, like the one below.
10. Kurds will help you for free
One time, I had to fix the zipper of my backpack. I went to a tailor and asked him if he could fix it for me. He looked at it and said, sure, come back tomorrow at 8 pm. Great! The next day, I went there, received the bag, and asked how much I would have to pay.
He said it was free and went back to work. I was shocked; I asked again, are you sure? He nodded yes. So, I went back home. I couldn’t believe it! Later on, I asked other people, and they told me that many times, when it’s just a tiny thing, they will do it for free, but sometimes they say it is free, then the customer will have to insist on paying because they will not accept your money. So it’s a funny thing, actually.
When I went to the dry cleaner, I had several things, including a coat for our little one. The owner of the dry cleaner said there was no need to pay for the baby jacket. It just surprised me again in such a positive way.
11. Free food at restaurants
You will get lots of free food at most local restaurants in Kurdistan. You take a seat, and they immediately bring you all kinds of salads, bread, hummus, and water.
Even if you just order a small main course because you’re already full from the salads, it’s all fine.
It feels so warm and welcoming, unlike in many Western countries, where you only get exactly what you’ve ordered.
12. Kurdish Tipping Etiquettes
I’ve had several occasions when I wanted to tip a taxi driver, but they wouldn’t accept it.
Even when I insisted, they would not accept the tip; they put their hand on their heart and said: No, thank you.
Similar to food delivery, they will not accept a tip unless you really insist on it.
I think it’s a nice, friendly custom to show that life is not about money.
Final thoughts
Their love of conversation, humor, and hospitality make them unforgettable.
I could write a lot more examples about their hospitality and kindness but the best thing would be to experience it yourself.
Iraqi Kurdistan has its instabilities, but it surprised me in so many positive ways. Not only the cultural events, mountains, and beautiful nature, but mostly the people.
After two years in Kurdistan, I will surely miss all of these beautiful Kurdish customs and traditions.
F.A.Q.
Where are the Kurds primarily?
The Kurds are primarily located in Kurdistan, which includes parts of Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Syria.
What language do the Kurds speak?
The Kurds speak Kurdish, which is an Indo-European language, not Arabic or Persian. It sounds very different than Arabic!
How has Kurdish history shaped their cultural identity?
Kurdish history, marked by struggles for autonomy and independence, has played a significant role in shaping the cultural identity of the Kurdish people.
How are Kurdish communities preserving their cultural traditions?
Kurdish communities worldwide actively engage in cultural events (such as Newroz) celebrate traditional festivals, and promote the Kurdish language and arts to preserve their cultural heritage.
