Kurdish identity is primarily defined by the Kurdish people, an ethnic group native to the mountainous regions of the Middle East. They primarily inhabit areas in Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria. The Kurds share a common language, Kurdish, which has several dialects, and a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional music, dance, and folklore. Historically, the Kurds have sought greater autonomy and recognition of their rights, often facing political and social challenges. Their identity is also shaped by a strong sense of nationalism, particularly in the context of the Kurdish independence movement, which aims to establish a separate Kurdish state or greater autonomy within existing nations.