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

Abstract

The study of the resilience levels and behaviors of the two ethnic groups, Azeris and Kurds, in response to Iran's recent economic crisis, which began in 2017, is significant as it reveals the social and cultural structures and perceptions each group holds in facing 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 Azeri 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?

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, Azeris 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.

The findings show that the Azeri 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 Azeri 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 Azeris 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 Azeris. These findings suggest that the Azeris 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 Azeris. 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.

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 Azeris 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 better address population needs during crises.

Measuring and evaluating the resilience of different demographic groups in Iran's society, which has a high demographic diversity, is necessary and necessary. With accurate evaluation, it is possible to help the country's policy makers and planners to adopt similar policies for each of the population groups. Evaluating the extent and manner of resilience of population groups, especially in socio-political crises, has an important role in the management and governance of the country. Resilience is influenced by various social and cultural factors, and the way different ethnic groups react and respond to it is an important area of study. The findings of the research indicate that the Kurdish group has shown higher resilience and greater adaptability to the recent economic crisis compared to the Turks. While the Azeris have exhibited more explicit political reactions to the crisis, the Kurdish political responses have been less pronounced and more restrained. This difference is observed in nearly all examined components, including decreased political participation, increased protests, open expressions of dissatisfaction, reduced expectations from government institutions, increased demand for political change, opposition to the government, calls for engagement with other countries, forming groups to pursue demands, activating local economies, increased violence, rising migration, reduced commitment to the government, lawlessness, and heightened chaos. Additionally, the results show that the factors influencing the level of resilience in these two ethnic groups differ.