[Thread]
Salafism in Southern #Kurdistan
1. Only a few Kurdish people were exposed to Salafism in the 1990s. When the ruling Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Islamic Movement of Kurdistan (IMK) went to war in 1993,
Salafism in Southern #Kurdistan
1. Only a few Kurdish people were exposed to Salafism in the 1990s. When the ruling Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Islamic Movement of Kurdistan (IMK) went to war in 1993,
![[Thread]
Salafism in Southern #Kurdistan
1. Only a few Kurdish people were exposed to Salafism in...](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FhKg__tWQAIGBks.png)
3. While in #Yemen, Ahmad studied Islamic sciences in Dammaj under the notorious Murji'ah Muqbil bin Hadi Al-Wadi'i. After the #US invasion and occupation of #Iraq in 2003, he returned to #Kurdistan and began teaching the Madkhalism school of Salafism.
4. Hundreds of Kurds had gathered around him after several years. However, later on, Salafism's spread in #Kurdistan was aided by a number of factors. To begin with, Arab Gulf resources funded its mobilization and publicity. In 2013, Ahmad launched Amozhgari TV,
5. a television channel. Sheikh Salih Al-Bayzani (ar-ar.facebook.com), a Yemeni Salafi "sheikh" and the founder of the Arabic Athar TV, donated one million dollars to Amozhgari TV (kurdistanc.com),
6. and it was all about spreading the teaching of Madkhalism in Sufi dominated #Kurdistan. However, the second factor for the spread of Salafism in Kurdistan is the internet, as well as easy access to Salafi books, blogs, and social media accounts of Salafi figures has made
7. it easier for Kurdish youth to learn about the various Salafi schools and camps. This, of course, has resulted in further divisions among Kurdish Salafists (kurdistanc.com): Mumayi'is, who are mostly concentrated in #Erbil and #Duhok provinces,
8. Hujuris, who are also concentrated in #Erbil, Haddadi's and Sa'afiqis in #Chamchamal and #Kirkuk, and Ahmad supporters in #Sulaymaniya. Each of these organizations claims to be a true Salafist and condemns the others.
(Much like it is on twitter)
(Much like it is on twitter)
9. Thirdly, the #KRG has turned a blind eye to the spread of Salafism in #Kurdistan, hoping that it will alleviate social pressure on the government. They permitted Salafi gatherings and social and missionary activities while restricting the activities of other Islamist groups.
10. Early #KRG tolerance of Kurdish Salafists can also be attributed to #Kurdistan's weak position in the region. Kurdistan is a fragile, largely unrecognized state that frequently concedes to regional powers like #SaudiArabia.
11. To put it another way, the #KRG must appease the Saudis by tolerating #Salafism in #Kurdistan. In exchange, #Riyadh can provide assistance to #Erbil in dealing with Kurdistan's hostile neighbours.
12. However, there are also severe risks and consequences that come with appeasing #SaudiArabia and containing the security threat that #Salafism may pose, especially if the adherent of Madkhalism gets attracted by more puritanical IS ideology.
13. However, a thin line separates Kurdish Madkhalism and Salafi Jihadism, and the #KRG government understands this. Madakhilah spread provides fertile ground for Salafi Jihadism to spread among Kurdish youth. It influenced up to 500 Kurdish youths to join the Islamic State.
14. Moreover, local Sufis don't appreciate Salafism. Sufis issued a fatwa in 2015 declaring that watching Amozhgari TV is forbidden. In a press conference, they demanded that the #KRG shut down the TV channel, threatening to attack it&force its closure
youtube.com
youtube.com
15. Despite rumours of #KRG-Salafi collaboration, recent Salafist threats posed by IS sympathizers served as a wake-up call for Kurdish officials. Many Kurdish politicians have spoken out against the rise of Salafism in #Kurdistan.
18. However, prohibition of Salafi books, as well as the imprisonment and firing of imams, does not deter Kurdish youth from learning about Salafism & since IS's new financial centre is Kurdish region instead of #Mosul, many youths will be curious due to all grievances they have.
Loading suggestions...