Diversity in Shiite Branches and Sects in Kurdistan

The Kurdish regions, due to the religious diversity and a wide variety of ritual customs, are one of the complex domains in regard with religious schools and sects; this complexity is amplified by the scantiness of scientific researches and studies in this regard. Most of the Kurd populations are followers of Sunnite school of Hanafism. This is true for Iran, Iraq, Turkey and Syria; and this religious characteristic is their distinctive point as compared to their neighbors. This is because their Arab, Turk, Lur and Fars neighbors are followers of Twelver Shiism or are Hanafi Sunnites. In addition to Kurds who are followers of Islamic sects, there are some other groups of Kurds who are Christians, Ashuris, Kalimis, and Yazidis, which form a large part of their population. What variable or variables influence the spread and dispersal of Shiite Kurds in Kurdish regions? Which group of Shiite Kurds is the largest one and where do they inhabit? Which Kurdish rites and practices are in the domain of Shiism? What are the reasons for accepting and diffusing Shiism by Kurds? And why is there a greater variety of religions among Kurds in comparison to their neighboring people? These are the most important questions dealt with by the present article.