About Dem-Kurd
Dem-Kurd Kurdischer Kultur und Integrationsverein
Dem-Kurd Komela canda kurdi u entegrasyone
Since 1986, Dem-Kurd has been a vital cultural bridge for the Kurdish community in Switzerland. We are dedicated to preserving our rich heritage while fostering integration and cross-cultural understanding.
As one of Switzerland's longest-running Kurdish cultural associations, we provide a home away from home for generations of Kurds living in Switzerland, while sharing our culture with the broader Swiss community.
7,500+ Members
Active Kurdish community members engaged in our programs across Switzerland
250+ Events
Cultural events, workshops, and community gatherings organized annually
35+ Years
Of continuous service to the Kurdish community and Swiss society
600+ Students
Learning Kurdish language and culture in our educational programs each year
Our Mission & Vision
Dem-Kurd ist ein gemeinnütziger Verein, der sich in der Verantwortung sieht, die alltäglichen Probleme von Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund zu bewältigen.
Unsere Vision ist eine harmonische Gesellschaft, in der Einwanderer und Einheimische respektvoll zusammenleben, während kulturelle Traditionen bewahrt werden.
Cultural Preservation
We strive to preserve Kurdish traditions, language, art, music, and literature through educational programs, cultural events, and archiving efforts.
- Language classes for children and adults
- Cultural workshops and traditional art programs
- Kurdish literature collection and digital archives
Community Building
We create spaces for Kurdish people and those interested in Kurdish culture to connect, share experiences, and build supportive networks.
- Regular community gatherings and celebrations
- Youth programs and intergenerational activities
- Support networks for new arrivals and families
Integration Support
We assist Kurdish immigrants in navigating Swiss society and institutions while encouraging active participation in the broader community.
- Orientation and social integration programs
- Language exchanges and cultural bridge-building activities
- Career guidance and educational support services
The Kurdish People
Die Kurden zählen ungefähr 40 Millionen Einwohner und stellen die einzige Volksgruppe dar, deren Status im weltweiten System nicht anerkannt wird.
Geschichte & Siedlungsgebiet
Kurdistan hat keinen exakt abgegrenzten, geografisch definierten Umriss. Das kurdische Siedlungsgebiet, das je nach Definition bis zu 530'000 km² umfasst, erstreckt sich über das östliche Anatolien im Südosten der Türkei und das westliche Zagrosgebirge im Iran und Irak.
Die politischen Spannungen zwischen dem Osmanischen Reich und dem Iran entwickelten sich über das Gebiet Kurdistans. In der nach diesen Konflikten getroffenen Vereinbarung (Vertrag von Qasr-e Schirin 1639) wurde dieses Gebiet zunächst zwischen den Türken und den Iranern aufgeteilt.
Die Kurden leben hauptsächlich in vier verschiedenen Ländern: der Türkei, dem Iran, dem Irak und Syrien. Das kurdische Volk ist das grösste Volk im Nahen Osten, das keinen eigenen Staat hat.
Sprache & Religion
Die Kurden sprechen ihre eigene Sprache. Kurdisch ist eine indogermanische Sprache und gehört zur nordwestlichen Gruppe der iranischen Sprachfamilie, welche zahlreiche Dialekte (Kurmanci, Sorani, Zazaki, Gorani usw.) dieser Sprache beinhaltet.
Nach Schätzungen definieren sich 98 Prozent der Kurden als Muslime. Obwohl die meisten von ihnen Sunniten sind, gibt es Menschen, die dem alawitischen und schiitischen Glauben angehören. Rund 80 Prozent von ihnen sind Sunniten, 15 Prozent Aleviten und 5 Prozent Schiiten.
Es gibt eine christliche Minderheit und die Religionsgemeinschaft der Èziden, die vor allem im Nordirak lebhaft sind. Der Êzidismus ist eine eigenständige Religion mit eigenen Merkmalen.
Migration der kurdischen Bevölkerung
Das geografische Gebiet ist einer der Hauptfaktoren für die Vertreibung der kurdischen Bevölkerung. Dieses Gebiet ist aufgrund seiner Ölvorkommen und seines Wasserreichtums in einer strategisch wichtigen Region und ist deshalb Mittelpunkt geopolitischer Konflikte.
Bakur (Türkei)
Die kemalistische Republik verfolgte die Politik zur Sicherung ihrer Zukunft durch die Assimilation der dort lebenden Volksgruppen, insbesondere des kurdischen Volkes: "Die Republik Türkei betrieb seit ihrer Gründung 1923 unter dem Slogan 'Wie glücklich ist der, der sagen kann: Ich bin ein Türke' die Schaffung einer türkischen Nation".
Başur (Irak)
Die Situation der kurdischen Bevölkerung im Irak weist Ähnlichkeiten zur Situation in der Türkei auf. Kurdinnen und Kurden mussten viele Tragödien erleben, vor allem unter Saddams Herrschaft. Die irakische Regierung veranlasste 1987 die Anfal-Operation, in der ca. 180'000 Menschen unter anderem durch Giftgas getötet wurden.
Rojhilat (Iran)
Die Kurden, die innerhalb der politischen Grenzen des Iran lebten, bildeten nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg (1946) eine Regierung (Kurdische Republik von Mahabad), die etwa ein Jahr lang bestand. Infolge des Sturzes dieser Regierung durch den Iran mussten viele Menschen aus ihren Wohnorten fliehen.
Rojava (Syrien)
Den Kurden wurden in Rojava, ein Gebiet in Syrien, vieler ihrer Grundrechte beraubt. Viele Menschen erhielten keinen Personalausweis, gingen auf keine offizielle Schule, erhielten jedoch danach keinen Beruf mehr. Erst durch Angriffe (2014) des IS fanden die grösseren Fluchtwellen statt.
Our History
For over three decades, Dem-Kurd has evolved from a small community group into an established cultural institution. Our journey reflects the story of the Kurdish community in Switzerland—a story of resilience, growth, and bridge-building.
Foundation
Dem-Kurd was founded by a small group of Kurdish immigrants led by Hasan Qazi and Nazdar Ahmed in Luzern, Switzerland. The founders sought to create a community space for Kurdish refugees and immigrants to maintain their cultural connections.
First Newroz Celebration
Organized the first large-scale Newroz (Kurdish New Year) celebration in Luzern, attended by over 200 members of the Kurdish and Swiss communities. This event established our tradition of annual cultural celebrations.
First Cultural Center
Opened our first small cultural center in Luzern with a library of Kurdish books and weekly gatherings. The center became a hub for cultural exchange and community support during a period of increased Kurdish migration to Switzerland.
Language Program
Established regular Kurdish language classes for children and adults, with the goal of preserving linguistic heritage across generations. Initial classes had 25 students and two volunteer teachers.
Official Recognition
Received official recognition as a cultural association from the Swiss authorities, allowing us to expand our programs and collaborate more closely with government institutions on integration initiatives.
First Cultural Festival
Organized the first annual Kurdish Cultural Festival in collaboration with the city of Luzern, featuring music, dance, food, and art exhibitions that attracted visitors from across Switzerland.
Expanded Programs
Expanded our activities to include integration support, youth programs, and women's initiatives. Launched the "Bridge Builders" program to connect Kurdish and Swiss families through cultural exchange activities.
New Headquarters
Moved to larger premises on Baselstrasse to accommodate growing membership and increased activities. The new center featured dedicated spaces for classes, exhibitions, and community gatherings.
Digital Transformation
Launched online programs and digital archive of Kurdish cultural materials during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continued community connection during lockdown restrictions.
Community Impact Award
Received recognition for contributions to cultural diversity and integration in Switzerland from the Federal Office for Culture, acknowledging our decades of work in community building and heritage preservation.
Our Leadership Team
Our dedicated team brings together diverse expertise in community organizing, cultural preservation, education, and integration services. Together, we work to fulfill Dem-Kurd's mission and serve both the Kurdish community and broader Swiss society.
Azad Tawfiq
President
Azad has led the association since 2019. With a background in community organizing and cultural preservation, he brings valuable experience to the role. He holds a Masters in Public Administration and has been part of Dem-Kurd for over 15 years.
Sara Rahmani
Vice President
Sara specializes in education and integration programs. She coordinates our language courses and helps develop cultural workshops. With a background in education, she has been instrumental in expanding our youth programs.
Rojin Hêvî
Secretary
Rojin manages our communications and handles administrative tasks. She ensures our operations run smoothly and members stay informed. A communications professional by training, she has transformed our outreach and member engagement.
Kawa Osman
Treasurer
With a background in finance, Kawa oversees our budget and financial planning, ensuring resources are properly allocated to our programs. He has helped secure sustainable funding for our expanding initiatives.
Leyla Ahmadi
Cultural Affairs Director
Leyla organizes our cultural events and oversees artistic programs. She has extensive experience in cultural event management and has helped establish our annual festival as a highlight of Luzern's cultural calendar.
Diyar Hassan
Youth Programs Coordinator
Diyar leads our initiatives for Kurdish youth, focusing on integration while preserving cultural identity and building leadership skills. A youth worker and community educator, he has developed innovative programs for second-generation Kurdish-Swiss youth.
Advisory Board
Prof. Dr. Marianne Weber
Cultural Integration Advisor
University of Zürich
Thomas Müller
Legal Advisor
Swiss Refugee Council
Dr. Shilan Karim
Kurdish Studies Advisor
Kurdish Institute of Paris
Our team also includes many dedicated volunteers who contribute their time and talents to make our programs possible.
Join Our TeamOur Values
These core values guide our work and define our approach to cultural preservation and community building. They reflect our commitment to both honoring Kurdish heritage and contributing positively to Swiss society.
Inclusivity
We welcome people of all backgrounds who share an interest in Kurdish culture. Our association embraces diversity and promotes understanding across communities.
"In diversity, we find unity and strength. Our doors are open to all who wish to learn, share, and grow together."
Cultural Pride
We celebrate Kurdish heritage and traditions, ensuring they're preserved for future generations while sharing their richness with the broader community.
"Our culture is our identity, our history, and our future. We honor it by preserving its traditions and adapting its wisdom to contemporary life."
Bridge Building
We work to build bridges between Kurdish communities and the broader Swiss society, promoting mutual understanding, respect, and cultural exchange.
"True integration happens when we maintain our roots while reaching out to connect with the wider community, creating shared experiences and mutual respect."
Our Principles
Der Verein ist für jede Person unabhängig von Nationalität und Geschlecht offen, die volljährig und geistig gesund ist und die folgenden Grundprinzipien achtet:
Achtung der universellen Menschenrechte
Für die Gleichstellung der Geschlechter eintreten
Befürwortung des ökologischen Bewusstseins
Priorisierung der Solidarität mit den Unterdrückten
Benutzen Sie keine anderen Methoden als die Wege und Methoden der Demokratie
Community Voices
Hear from members of our community about the impact of Dem-Kurd on their lives and experiences.
"Dem-Kurd has been a home away from home for our family. Through language classes, our children maintain a connection to their Kurdish heritage while fully embracing their Swiss identity."
Dilara Karimi
Member since 2015
"As a Swiss citizen interested in Kurdish culture, Dem-Kurd has provided me with an authentic window into Kurdish traditions, music, and cuisine. The community has been incredibly welcoming."
Thomas Schneider
Friend of Dem-Kurd
Become a Member
Unabhängig von Nationalität und Geschlecht kann jeder, der unsere Grundprinzipien beachtet, volljährig und geistig gesund ist, Mitglied im Verein werden.
Membership Benefits
Participation in all association events
Voting rights at the general assembly
Discounted rates for language courses and workshops
Regular newsletter with updates and information
Opportunity to actively shape the association's future
Membership Fees
- Individual membershipCHF 60 / year
- Family membershipCHF 90 / year
- Students & apprenticesCHF 30 / year
How to Join
You can apply for membership through our online form or by downloading and submitting the PDF application form.
For questions about membership, please contact us at:Kurdischerverein.luzern@gmail.com
Our Partners & Supporters
We are grateful to these organizations for their ongoing support of our mission and programs.
Annual Reports & Transparency
We are committed to transparency and accountability. Our annual reports provide details about our activities, impact, and financial management.
Recent Annual Reports
2023 Annual Report
Activities, achievements, and financial statements for 2023
2022 Annual Report
Activities, achievements, and financial statements for 2022
2021 Annual Report
Activities, achievements, and financial statements for 2021
Financial Transparency
Dem-Kurd is a registered non-profit organization in Switzerland with tax-exempt status. Our finances are audited annually by an independent accounting firm. Complete financial statements are available in our annual reports.
Get in Touch
Have questions about our association? Want to learn more about our work or how to get involved? We'd love to hear from you.
Address: Mythenstrasse 7, 6003 Luzern
Email: Kurdischerverein.luzern@gmail.com
