Irak Türkmenleri

ABSTRACTTHE IRAQI TURKMEN (1921-2005)Kayılı, A.GökhanM.I.R, Department of International RelationsSupervisor: Asst. Prof. Dr. Nur Bilge CrissAugust 2005This thesis evaluates the situation of the Iraqi Turkmen between 1921-2005 interms of the important developments in Iraq. The Iraqi Turkmen could not organizepolitically due to the oppressive Iraqi regimes in the period between 1921-1991.They started to carry out political activities openly after the Gulf War II in NorthernIraq. The Turkmen who are the third largest ethnic population in Iraq, pursue thepolicy of keeping the integrity of Iraqi territory, enjoying the same equal rights asthe other ethnic groups and being a founding member in the constitution. TheTurkmen are still maintaining their political activities to prove their existence in Iraqeven in 2005. Turkey has defended the idea that the Turkmen should have the samepolitical, social and cultural rights as the other ethnic groups in Iraq. The future ofKirkuk where the Turkmen live would be a model for Iraq or the start of seriousconflicts.Keywords: Iraqi Turkmen, Iraqi Turkmen Front, Iraq, Kirkuk, KDP, PUK,Turkmeneli