How does journalism function when there is no state to protect it—and several states actively working to suppress it?

April 22 marks the anniversary of Kurdistan, the first Kurdish newspaper, founded in Cairo in 1898 by Miqdad Midhat Bedir Khan. Significantly, Kurdish journalism did not begin in Kurdistan itself but in exile. From its very first publication, Kurdish media emerged as a transnational project shaped by displacement, political struggle, and the search for spaces of expression beyond state control.
More than a century later, exile continues to play a central role in Kurdish media production. The countries where Kurdish journalists work - among them Iran, Irak, Syria and Turkey - are among the most dangerous places in the world for media workers. The conditions are tougher for journalists from national minorities - such as Kurds. This reflects a broader pattern: Kurdish journalism has evolved for over 127 years without the protection of a sovereign state, often operating under simultaneous pressure from multiple governments.

On the Day of Kurdish Journalism, April 22, CORRECTIV.Exile invites you to listen, ask, learn and talk to and with Kurdish journalists and artists.

Speakers:
Kamal Chomani (editor-in-chief, The Amargi)
other speakers tbc

Moderation:
Rosa Burç, Sociologist and Kurdistan expert

Exile Talks is a monthly series highlighting the expertise and experiences of exiled journalists and media professionals. This event is financially supported by Berliner Landeszentrale für Politische Bildung