A Comparative Study of the Resilience of the Azeri and Kurdish Ethnic Groups in Urmia City in the Face of the Economic Crisis

ABSTRACT
Assessing the level and nature of resilience among population groups, especially during socio-political crises, plays a crucial role in national governance and management. Various social and cultural factors influence resilience, and how ethnic groups interact and react to it is an important subject for study. This article aims to evaluate and comparatively study the level and nature of resilience of Azeri and Kurdish ethnic groups in Urmia County when facing an economic crisis, using a survey questionnaire method. Research findings indicate that the resilience of the Kurdish ethnic group to the recent economic crisis has been greater than that of the Azeri ethnic group, showing more adaptability. In contrast, Azeris exhibited more explicit political reactions to this crisis, while the political reactions of the Kurdish ethnic group were fewer and calmer. This difference is observable across almost all examined components: decreased political participation, increased protests, overt expression of dissatisfaction, reduced expectations from government institutions, increased demand for political changes, opposition to the government, requests for interaction and relations with other countries, formation of groups to pursue demands, activation of local economy, increased violence, increased migration, decreased commitment to the government, law-breaking, and intensified chaos. Furthermore, the results show that the influential factors on resilience levels differed between these two ethnic groups. Problem-solving skills significantly impacted resilience among Kurds, while emotional attachments were most significant among Azeris.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
The crises and disasters that have occurred in recent decades indicate that the vulnerability of communities has increased more than ever, and the level of risks has also risen. The aforementioned disasters and crises, such as natural disasters, economic hazards, wars, etc., undoubtedly have many destructive psychological impacts on societies. Various writings and statistics indicate a significant decrease in the resilience level of communities against various problems and crises; to the extent that they have entered a phase of high vulnerability. The study of resilience levels and behaviors among the two ethnic groups, Turks and Kurds, in response to Iran's recent economic crisis, which began in 2017, is significant. This research reveals the social and cultural structures, as well as the perceptions that each group holds when confronting the crisis. The geographic location of the study, Urmia, where both ethnic groups reside, allows for a more precise examination of the cultural and social characteristics shaping their resilience. This paper aims to address the question:
-What are the similarities and differences in the resilience of the Kurdish and Turkish ethnic groups in Urmia in response to the recent economic crisis, despite sharing the same spatial and geographic features?
-What cultural and social factors influence their resilience, and what strategies can be proposed to better meet their needs given the existing differences?
 
Methodology
The research method is analytical-descriptive, and data collection is survey-based using a questionnaire. Additionally, library and documentary sources were used to supplement the data. The questionnaire, which consists of closed-ended questions, was designed to assess the resilience of the two ethnic groups, Turks and Kurds, against the economic crisis. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS statistical software, and both descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed. Descriptive statistics, such as percentages, frequency distributions, and averages, were used to describe variables. The validity of the questionnaire was tested using content and face validity, and its reliability was confirmed through correlation and Cronbach’s alpha methods, with significant results in all areas.
 
Results and discussion
Findings related to the factors influencing the resilience level of the Azeri and Kurdish ethnic groups indicate that their mental constructs and underlying social structures have been similar in some cases and different in others. Factors such as emotional attachments, personality traits, and problem-solving skills have been common factors affecting resilience for both groups. These components in the city of Urmia are influenced by the determining role of traditional structures in individuals’ agency. The findings show that the Kurdish ethnic group in the studied region has higher resilience, primarily influenced by problem-solving skills, personality traits, emotional attachments, and religious beliefs. In contrast, the resilience of the Turkish ethnic group was most influenced by emotional attachments, personality traits, resilience planning, problem-solving skills, and their lifestyle. The Kurds exhibited greater adaptability in the face of the crisis.
In terms of social and political reactions, the Turks showed higher averages in negative indicators (non-resilience and incompatibility with the recent economic crisis), such as opposition to the government, demand for political change, lawlessness, increased migration and violence, and political disengagement. Meanwhile, in three positive indicators of resilience, calls for engagement with other countries, activation of the local economy, and forming groups to pursue demands, the Kurds outperformed the Turks. These findings suggest that the Turks responded more intensely to the crisis, while the Kurds responded more calmly.
Regarding resilience indicators such as depression, psychological issues, dissatisfaction with life, and failure to cope with livelihood challenges, the Kurds were found to be in a better position than the Turks. These differences reflect distinct cultural norms and mental frameworks between the two groups. Historical evidence also supports that the Turkish ethnic group has actively participated in political and social movements, whereas the Kurds have generally been more passive and accommodating.
 
Conclusion
Assessing the resilience of population groups, especially in times of social and political crises, is crucial for effective governance. This comparative study between the Turkish and Kurdish ethnic groups in Urmia showed that they have different resilience levels and behaviors in response to the recent economic crisis. While some factors influencing resilience, such as problem-solving skills and personality traits, were common between the two groups, their prioritization differed. The study's results confirmed that Kurds exhibited greater resilience, particularly in terms of non-violent and adaptive strategies, while Turks showed more overt and disruptive responses. This significant difference points to the existence of distinct ethnic norms and structures regarding resilience in economic crises. A broader comparative study across all ethnic groups in Iran could help design a comprehensive resilience model for policymakers to address population needs during crises better.
 
Funding
There is no funding support.
 
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved the content of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
 
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.