ARMENIANS IN IRAQ ARE RESETTLING IN AUTONOMOUS KURDISH REGION

(09-02-2007; Kurdish Aspect)

According to an article that appeared in The Kurdish Aspect, there has been a recent influx of Armenians to the Kurdish-controlled region in northern Iraq. The report states that many Armenians are fleeing the violence and political instability in Baghdad for the relative security in the territory administered by the Kurdish Regional Government.

The article's author states that some 1,000 Armenians now reside in the Kurdish town of Zakho, which straddles the Iraqi-Turkish border. More amazing, the report cites that efforts are underway to rebuild a few former Armenian villages in the region, most notably that of Hawresk.

Early in the 20th century, many Armenians fleeing persecution in the Armenian villayets in the Ottoman Empire resettled in these border areas. Gradually, many moved to Baghdad and other urban areas. It seems that the trend has now reversed, however slightly.