Although Kurds make up one of the largest ethnic groups in the Middle East, they lack a state of their own and face significant challenges in their efforts toward self-determination. When conflict broke out between the Turkish government and Kurdish militants in the 1980s, Kurdish women served as combatants and emerged as a powerful contingent in the fight against Kurdish suppression. Funerals for fallen Kurdish militants, which were banned by Turkey, became a catalyst for resistance, and they resounded with not only mournful dirges but also angry chants demanding change. Although Kurdish funerals were traditionally attended only by men, women often took part in these funerals.
