What memories do Anfal mothers transmit to their children? Narratives of everyday suffering, embodiment, and silences

Between February and September 1988, the Ba’athist regime in Iraq carried out the Anfal campaign, during which between 100,000 and 182,000 Kurds were killed. These atrocities significantly shaped Kurdish identity and spurred efforts to gain international recognition for genocide. While most survivors are women, the dominant narratives about Anfal have been provided by men. Little is known about what women have transmitted to the next generations, how they do it, and what they hide. This paper builds on thirteen interviews conducted with child survivors of Anfal and reveals that their mothers played a crucial role in transmitting Anfal memories. However, the children’s perceptions of their mothers’ narratives put them in contrast with official Anfal narratives, notably because of their focus on personal and embodied suffering rather than political aspects, highlighting the trauma’s long-lasting effects. Additionally, while mothers often concealed details like rape, children were keenly aware of these unspeakable experiences.