Resource Information Center: Turkey
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| Response to Information Request Number: | TUR99001.ZHN |
| Date: | 27 October 1998 |
| Subject: | Turkey: Information On The Practice Of Circumcision Among Kurds |
| From: | INS Resource Information Center, Washington, DC |
| Keywords: | Turkey / Kurds / Minority Groups / Circumcision / Islam / Muslim / Religious Ceremonies / Religious Practice / Ceremonies |
Query:
Do Kurds practice circumcision? Is not being circumcised an identifying characteristic for Kurds?
Response:
A representative of the American Kurdish Information Network in Washington, DC informed the RIC that the great majority of Kurds are Muslims and therefore practice circumcision. As part of a religious ceremony, Muslim males are circumcised at a very young age. Kurds who are not circumcised are likely to be a member of one of the Christian minorities. Therefore, non-circumcision is not an identifying characteristic for the majority of Kurds (AKIN 26 October 1998).
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the RIC within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References:
American Kurdish Information Network (AKIN). Washington, DC. 26 October 1998. Telephone Interview with Representative.