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Articles - When West meets East
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2-May-10 [17:15] |
PNA - An exchange student from Germany reflects on her visit to Kurdistan. "It is only when you come [to Iraqi Kurdistan Region] you see that this is a nation that has the right to be living in freedom." -Leyla Walerie Mapa Knorr
"My friends call me on a daily basis asking if I am okay, and I say of course I am okay!" explains Leyla Walerie Mapa Knorr, 27, recalling March 29 as she flew out of Moscow to Germany to take the flight to Kurdistan. "There was a metro terror act the same morning of my flight, so I have no fear in coming to Kurdistan--but people abroad cannot believe there is more security here."
Leyla is one of the 16 young people who came to Kurdistan for two weeks in an exchange program organized by their university in Germany during April. A lawyer and a master's student at the Friedriech Wilrelms University in Bonn, she was born in Ukraine to a Russian mother and a German father, and her maternal grandmother is from Chechnya. She laughs as she explains her roots, "I am the best example of integration!"
The university undertook a special study on Kurdistan in the politics department. "For Europe it is interesting to see what happens in Iraq after the war, and questions arise of whether democracy can take place. Kurdistan was an interesting case to examine in this study," she explains.
"If you watched television and movies, to see Kurds you do not understand them--although it is only when you come you see that this is a nation that has the right to be living in freedom."
Leyla affirms that in the European media, Kurdistan is rarely portrayed. Therefore, she asserts that "Kurdistan must become its own voice in the world, because nobody speaks about it--it is believed here, too, like the rest of Iraq, it is war."
As the rest of the students departed, Leyla's initial two-week trip was delayed longer due to the flight cancellations, giving her more time to observe Kurdish society. "What I found is that Kurds, despite the fact that they are a Muslim society, are not as close to religion as I thought. I missed that feeling."
"I will go back to Russia or Germany and take Kurdish courses to learn the language, and I will return by the latest next year. I dream of taking a direct flight from Moscow to Erbil," she laughs. "This will come true in a few weeks' time."
With her blue eyes and fair skin, Leyla's European appearance was a surprise for most people she met. "I am a white woman wearing an Abaya!" she jokes. "It is interesting to see in Kurdistan that people do not believe that a white woman can also be a Muslim; they ask if I have converted my religion and I simply reply: 'No. I was born a Muslim.'"
When asked about her most interesting observation during her stay, Leyla is quick to reply that it is the close family bonds. Recalling her visits with different people, she says, "More than one generation live under the same roof, and this is the basis for a strong family connection." On the other hand, she says that while Kurds speak different dialects, there should be one universal dialect spoken and understood by all. Furthermore, she points out that there is no "made in Kurdistan." Other than oil, Kurdistan is not producing anything, and "from its rich soil it can make great production," she notes, adding that the region should begin to build its own factories and produce local goods.
Regarding the exchange programs, Leyla expresses her appreciation for the grand learning experience. The opportunity, as she explains it, has taught her a lot about not just the politics of the region but about the people and culture here. She emphasizes the importance for youth here to undertake a similar experience in going abroad and bringing back home the positive lessons they learn. "The main obstacle in this process is receiving a visa; it is believed that when the students reach Germany they may not return home."
From her interaction with Kurdish youth, Leyla says some are radical in that they want to change the country in two years and that is impossible. "The country must grow up and have roots; that way a wind can't come and blow it away," she remarks. "Young Kurds must have a vision for their future, and I hope one day they'll have the country that they dream of."
As Leyla awaits the flights to resume so she can go home, she knows that she has plans in mind for her return to the region to meet once again the friends she has made. Having traveled through the different provinces, she admits to liking Duhok the most. "Suly is the open province; Duhok has a feel of antiquity and originality, while Erbil is a good mix of both."
The Kurdish Globe
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