KHIRBET AL-GHAZAL – Deniz Undav, a standout player at the World Cup, is making headlines not just for his prowess on the field but for the cultural significance behind his representation of Germany. The 29-year-old striker, who boasts Yazidi and Kurdish heritage, is a beacon of hope for communities that have historically lacked a platform on the world stage.
Entering as a substitute, Undav has shined, netting three goals and assisting two others. His remarkable performance places him among the elite scorers of the tournament, trailing only the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinicius Jr.
Identifying as a Kurdish Yazidi, Undav’s journey is deeply intertwined with his family’s history. His parents, Yazidi refugees, fled a region marked by decades of violence and persecution. The 2014 assault by the Islamic State group on the Yazidi community in Iraq, which claimed thousands of lives and saw many abducted, remains a painful chapter in their narrative.
During a recent press conference, Undav expressed his hope that his achievements inspire not only fans globally but particularly those within the Yazidi community. “I always get the news from my parents about how they view me, and it makes me proud that we finally have somebody,” he stated.
In Khirbet al-Ghazal, a village in northeastern Syria, a gathering of Yazidis watched the Germany-Ecuador match, celebrating Undav’s success. Many present were related to Undav’s mother, who hails from a nearby village that has since been deserted due to economic struggles and the civil war that began in 2011.
Community leader Ismail Dalaf remarked, “Undav’s World Cup performance has made him a symbol that shows Yazidis can reach a higher position and be seen with respect.” He believes that Undav’s visibility on the world stage alters public perception, showcasing the potential and resilience of the Yazidi people.
The Kurdish population, one of the largest stateless ethnic groups globally, faces challenges in expressing their identity, particularly in regions like Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria. The Yazidi community, primarily Kurdish-speaking and centered in Iraq and Syria, has a notable diaspora, with around 235,000 Yazidis currently residing in Germany, many of whom arrived after the 2014 crisis.
Irfan Ortac, chair of the Central Council of Yazidis in Germany, noted the community’s struggle with their identity. “Until now, we have mostly been known as victims of violence,” he said, emphasizing the pride and happiness that comes from discussing positive representations of Yazidis.
In Iraq, where the largest Yazidi population resides, the community also revels in Undav’s achievements. Luqman Sleiman, a spokesperson for the Lalish temple, remarked, “It makes me very happy to see a Yazidi bringing our name to the World Cup.”
Undav’s rise has not been without its challenges; he has faced ethnic abuse from certain spectators and social media users. In a notable incident last year, during a match in Turkey, he was subjected to obscene chants about his mother. Despite this, his popularity continues to grow, especially after his choice to represent Germany rather than Turkey, which has led to some hostility from Turkish fans.
Düzen Tekkal, a German filmmaker of Kurdish Yazidi heritage, highlights the “Deniz Undav effect,” noting its importance for children who can now celebrate their identity in a country where migration remains a contentious issue. “It is no coincidence that he plays with this lightness and freedom,” she added, recognizing how his background contributes to his resilience on the field.
Undav’s cultural expression was evident when he celebrated a goal against Curacao with a Yazidi-inspired dance, joined by fellow player Antonio Rüdiger. This moment resonated deeply, symbolizing resistance and the celebration of life amidst adversity. “Dancing is a form of expressing resistance for us,” Tekkal noted, reinforcing the connection between Undav’s success and the broader Yazidi narrative.
Mahmoud Kanabi, a Kurdish expatriate in Berlin, expressed his pride in Undav’s achievements, stating, “Now, when a Kurdish player is in a team, we have to be fans of it. It doesn’t matter what team it is.” This sentiment echoes the broader aspirations of a community eager to see their identity recognized and celebrated on the global stage.
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Martany reported from Irbil, Iraq; Fahey from Berlin and Ellingworth from Duesseldorf, Germany. AP Sports Writer Ron Blum in East Rutherford, New Jersey, contributed reporting.
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Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
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