Pomegranate Podcast

Is history something dead and lost to the past. Doomed to repeat itself. Or is history alive with impacts on us today? If history is alive, is it the ghosts of our ancestors living within us, or is it also like dark matter, all around us and forming our existence? If history is alive, is it being controlled and channeled by powerful states and individuals, or is it something we can reclaim for an alternative life in freedom? In this episode, we discuss what it means for history to be ...

On the 16th of September, 2022, Jina Amini, a young Kurdish woman, was tortured to death in Iran by the so-called ‘morality police’ for not wearing her hijab in accordance with their theocratic laws. Her murder has sparked protests in East Kurdistan (North West Iran) and throughout Iran, with large numbers of people marching on the streets and rising up to demand justice against the clerical system, and women demanding freedom and democracy. The slogan, Jin, Jiyan, Azadî (Woman, Life, Freedo...

Story telling and narratives play an important role in our understanding of the world and truth. From oral traditions to strategic narratives, Kurdish society is vibrant with story telling. Tales of heroes and heroines, enemies and tyrants, struggle and suffering, and victory and virtue inspire us and pass on collective memories. But are we losing the culture of storytelling as technology and modernity advances? Joining us is Kurdish feminist, writer, lecturer and anti-war activist Houzan Mah...

The struggle for freedom in Kurdistan has resulted in different ideas and practises on how to achieve a free life. One idea gaining mass popularity is Democratic confederalism and the democratic nation. Taking a holistic, inclusive and bottom-up approach, democratic confederalism attempts to deal with the global crises we face through democratic means rather than the nation-state. In this episode we discuss the importance of this democratic project, what it means to us and why we’re so excit...

Newroz, which translates to 'New Day' in English, marks the Spring Equinox, the arrival of Spring and for many the new year. It is celebrated by millions of people across West Asia, Central Asia, parts of South Asia and globally within diaspora communities. For the Kurdish people, Newroz is not just a celebration but also symbolises acts and expressions of Kurdish culture and resistance against those who have denied the Kurdish identity and existence. In this episode we spoke to Rosa Burc, po...