Shekak

Who are the Shekak?

The Shekak are a Kurdish tribe with a long history in the region of West Azerbaijan, Iran, and neighboring areas. Their identity is shaped by shared ancestry, oral history, and a tradition of tribal leadership. The tribe includes several clans, such as the 'Awdoǐ or Evdoyî, and is known for its strong warrior reputation. The Shekak have played important roles in regional politics and conflicts, maintaining their cohesion through kinship ties and collective memory.

Where do the Shekak live?

The Shekak homeland centers on West Azerbaijan province in Iran, with extensions into Şırnak and Tunceli provinces in Turkey and historical presence in East Azerbaijan. Their territory includes villages and rural areas, stretching from Biyan in the north to Amkan in the west, Cûmê in the south, and Ezaz in the east. The landscape is varied, with mountains, rivers, and fertile valleys supporting village life.

What language do the Shekak speak?

The main language of the Shekak is Kurdish. Some segments of the tribe, particularly Turkic-speaking Shia groups, historically lived in East Azerbaijan province. The use of Kurdish remains central to their identity, and oral tradition plays a significant role in preserving their history and culture.

How is Shekak society organised?

Shekak society is organized around tribal and clan structures. Leadership has traditionally been held by chieftains, often from prominent families such as the 'Awdoǐ. Family ties, descent, and oral history are important in maintaining group cohesion. Decision-making often centers on the authority of the chieftain and elders, with respect for lineage and tribal customs guiding social relations and alliances.

What do the Shekak believe?

The Shekak have historical connections to the Yazidi faith, as mentioned in early manuscripts, but the sources do not detail current religious practices. Rituals, oral storytelling, and respect for ancestral leaders are important aspects of their cultural life. Art, music, and dress are not described in the sources.

The history of the Shekak

The Shekak are first recorded in a Yazidi manuscript from the early 13th century. They appear in Kurdish and Ottoman sources, including the Sharafnama and 16th-century tax registers, as a significant tribal group in Hakkâri and other regions. In the 17th century, the 'Awdoǐ clan migrated from Diyarbakır and settled west of Lake Urmia. The Shekak played notable roles in regional conflicts, including resistance against Qajar and later Iranian authorities. Simko Shikak led a major rebellion and was involved in violent events affecting Assyrian and Azerbaijani communities before his death in 1930.

Shekak life today

Today, the Shekak live mainly in Iran's West Azerbaijan province and in several villages in Turkey. Their numbers are not specified in the sources. The tribe continues to maintain its identity through clan ties and oral tradition. While their political influence has changed, the Shekak remain a recognized Kurdish tribal group in the region.

Questions people ask about the Shekak

Sources and further reading

• Shekak (tribe) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Shekak themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.