1915: Kurdish Regions During World War I: 

During World War I, the Kurdish regions endured widespread occupation and violence that deeply disrupted the local population and their way of life. At the time, the Ottoman Empire encompassed all modern-day Kurdish lands, which were divided into administrative provinces known as Wilayets. Each Wilayet was governed by a local governor who ultimately reported to the Sultan in Istanbul. Kurdish society itself was largely tribal, with most Kurds living according to traditional tribal structures. In the midst of World War I, alliances among the Kurds were split: while many fought alongside the Ottoman Empire, others sought to ally with the Allies in hopes of gaining autonomy. To secure loyalty, the Ottomans granted ceremonial titles to certain Kurdish tribal leaders, which caused further divisions within the community. Despite this internal fragmentation, the desire for autonomy persisted. Some Kurdish groups collaborated with the Allies, rallying forces to fight against Ottoman rule and leveraging their deep knowledge of the terrain and familiarity with their foes to assist the foreign powers. This cooperation impressed many European politicians and diplomats, who came to view the Kurds as a noble and trustworthy people worthy of autonomy, and perhaps even full independence, in the post-Ottoman era.

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