Origins of New York's Largest Kurdish Diaspora

Authors: Noa Goveia, Julie Decelles, Cecelia Chu, Ysabel Bote

Field of Study: Arts and Humanities

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Sule Can

Easel: 18

Timeslot: Morning

Abstract: The Kurdish community in Binghamton is one of the area's largest and most diverse populations. This study looks into the reasons for Kurdish flight from their home countries to the United States, and the effects of Middle Eastern political and economic crises on Kurdish resettlement. To gain a deeper understanding of the community, the primary method of research utilized was conducting interviews with Kurdish residents of Binghamton. Additionally, a statistical analysis of the Kurdish Oral History Project furthers insight into Kurds in Upstate New York. The findings suggest that fear of persecution was the driving reason for Kurds leaving Kurdistan in search of a new home in America, confirming the need for supplementary research and awareness of Kurds affected by socio-political violence. Research suggests that while not many Kurds had a strong pull towards Binghamton, they have made it home due to the strong Kurdish community found here.