The Kurdish Factor in the Iran-Turkey Rivalry after the Arab Spring

The Kurdish question, which has gained renewed relevance amid the transformative processes initiated by the Arab Spring and the intensification of the Syrian conflict, has become one of the central and enduring components of the strategic rivalry between Turkey and Iran. In the context of growing instability and fragmentation of the regional security architecture, Kurdish politico-military entities function not only as targets of coercion but also as strategic assets within the framework of soft and hard power projection pursued by Ankara and Tehran. The article explores the multilayered instrumentalization of the Kurdish factor in the rhetoric, diplomacy, and situational alliances of the two regional powers, identifying elements of pragmatic cooperation persisting despite systemic antagonism. Particular attention is paid to the role of external actors (primarily the United States, Russia, and the Gulf states) in reshaping the political landscape of regional interactions. The Kurdish question is analyzed not merely as a localized ethno-political conflict but as a structurally significant component of the Middle Eastern geopolitical field. The study concludes that the Kurdish factor is deeply embedded within the institutional fabric of regional security and possesses the capacity for adaptive mobilization and participation in the formation of emerging centers of influence.

Kurdish question, Turkey, Iran, Middle Eastern security, Syrian conflict, regional rivalry, politico-military entities, external actors