Does Soviet Russia see its interests in the Kurdish issue

When I visited the governor of Erzirom X. (the host’s name is not written down; only the letter X is F.N.), I met him at the governor of Bitlis (Yusif Ziya F.N.). From the face of Yusuf Ziya, his length is medium, he is thin, his face and nose are significant, and his eyes are hard and brown. He is a lively and serious Kurd. He speaks Turkish in the style of eastern cities. He is 40-42 years old; his hair has become gray and slicked back.

After we greeted each other, our host said:

“You know, we have decided that we will sell the Kurds.”

-“How many pounds? – I (Shakhovskoy F.N.) asked him politely.

After that, the Kurdish ambassador (Y.Ziya F.N.) asked our host for permission to open the discussion and asked me: “Does Soviet Russia see its interests in the Kurdish issue?”

Shakovskoy – “Soviet Russia, as the protector of all the people and the oppressed classes, without a doubt, sees its interests in the issue of solving their fate. In all aspects, Sovjet Russia cannot maintain a passive position in front of the Western imperialists’ agenda; I need an open answer from you regarding the question of “imperialists threatening Kurdistan.”

Y.Z. -” To be honest, until now, I had different beliefs about the Kurdish question. We think that the Kurds and Turkey together will protect our unity, and we will be freed from the domination of the imperialists. Also, we will solve the Kurdish question through unity with Turkey. But now, since the Turkish government agreed to give Mosul to the British, all our alliances have failed. The British made a proposal to the Turks on the condition that if the Turks declared autonomy in Kurdistan, they (the British) would also leave Mosul. But the Turks did not give autonomy to the Kurds; they gave Mosul to the British. This event proves the rebellion’s announcement: the Kurdish people will decide their destiny.

The British see their interests in the Kurdish question and work tirelessly to achieve their interests. In my opinion, Russia is more interested in the Kurdish issue than anyone else: first, as a neighbor; second, as an oil trader, but Russia’s behavior is not certain. What is this for – I don’t know.”

Şakhovskoy – “About the new situation, that is, Turkey has agreed to give Mosil to the British, and therefore, the danger that threatens Kurdistan, I am hearing for the first time. For that reason, I cannot give a definite answer before I know the thoughts of our ambassador on this question. Regarding the question that Soviet Russia has not done anything in Kurdistan, I can say the following: You have now explained your belief that Turkey is a friend of Soviet Russia and that there are opportunities with it for comprehensive cooperation and the protection of the unity of Kurdistan. If Soviet Russia accepts and commits to the official position of the Kurdish people, especially yours, how will you be able to reject this position of Soviet Russia?

As far as I know, Soviet Russia agreed with the resolutions of the Moscow Agreement. As you think, if the independence of Turkey is protected, the unity of Kurdistan will not be in danger. Yes, now the situation has completely changed.”

Y.Z. -“Kurdish residents have come to believe that if Mosul falls under the hands of the British, after a few years, the whole of Kurdistan will fall under the hands of the British and will become their colony. We all know what this means.

According to our beliefs, a new state like Kurdistan – an area where the interests of the stronger states come under each other’s ear – is not possible without the help of a larger nation. British aid begins with colonization. Therefore, we consider aid from Soviet Russia, which has officially decided to support the people of the east and has promised to help them, to be right for our interests. In addition, we have some conditions. I will tell them in our next meeting.”

Our first meeting ended at this point. After he (Yusif Ziya) left the house where we were, our host told me about the speech of the Kurdish officials regarding the Musil issue in the secret Assembly meeting.

After İsmet Pasha and Rauf Beg, the question of leaving Musil to the British was announced in the council; the Kurdish representatives said that the Kurdish issue would come up again today, and the Kurds should try to solve their issue.

I asked my host about the life of the Kurdish official (Yusif Ziya F.N.), his old works, his authority, and his influence. According to his information, Yusif Ziya studied in Bidlis. He passively supported several Kurdish rebellions against the Turks, and because of his passive stance, he did not kill the Turks. For the first time, he became the head of the council. He has influence among the Kurds of Bidlis and Mush regions and among Kurdish residents.

A. Izmailov (Shakhovskoy)

February 27, 1923 Ankara.