The grounds of the expansion and the causes of the continuation of the First World War in Kurdistan(1914-1918)

On the eve of the first world war, the western borders and the Kurdish regions of Iran during the Qajar era were through a critical period due to the displacement of local rulers. Also deep-rooted historical differences with the Ottomans, the presence of various tribes and political differences made the region faced with new events. While the Ottomans had officially entered the war, the buffering of Kurdistan between Iran and the Ottomans could not keep Kurdistan away from its consequences. The study tries to explain the causes of the expansion and continuation of the war in Kurdistan, using the descriptive-analytical method and relying on the historical sources of documents, local and national newspapers. The investigations showed that the political and religious differences in Kurdistan and the confrontation of nomads with each other, along with the strategic importance of this region for foreign forces were the essancial factors behind the spread of the war to Kurdistan. Also, political instability in Kurdistan, intensification of tribal conflicts, presence of disaffected Sheikhs, competition of hostile governments and finally false promises of independence led to the continuation of the war in the region.