About Kurmanji Books

My name is Azad (Ayden) Mich, and I’m the creator behind Kurmanji Books. I’m a Kurdish father, born and raised in Sydney, Australia, and like many parents bringing up children in a culture different from their own heritage, I often think about connection – connection to family, to roots, and especially, to language.

The idea for Kurmanji Books sparked into life with the birth of my son. As I held him, I started to reflect more deeply on the parts of my Kurdish culture and heritage he would naturally grow up with, and which parts might, over time and distance, quietly fade. The language my parents were so proud of, the Kurmanji dialect that filled my childhood home, was at the top of that list. I knew I wanted him to have a bridge to it, a joyful way to hear its sounds and learn its words.

That desire became a personal mission. I began to envision and then create the kinds of bilingual English–Kurmanji Kurdish books I wished had been available when I was young, and that I wanted for my son. Books that are simple enough for the youngest learners, visually engaging, and most importantly, fun. Books that children growing up outside of Kurdistan can easily pick up and feel an instant connection with. Books that help weave language into the fabric of identity – gently, playfully, and one colourful page at a time.

What started as a thought for a single book quickly grew. I saw the need, and frankly, I thrive on a good challenge! So, I embarked on creating an entire foundational series. This journey has been an incredible learning experience. I’ve worn all the hats – from writer and translator to designer, image curator (working with AI tools, which, as a data engineer, I find fascinating), website builder, and aspiring marketer. It’s given me immense respect for every skill involved in bringing a children’s book to life. Much of this work has been done in the quiet moments, often with my son on my lap, his little hands a constant, happy reminder of the “why” behind it all. My own background in tech, particularly the organizational skills honed as a data engineer, proved invaluable in managing a project of this scale – especially when juggling it with new fatherhood!

I’m launching with the “My First Kurdish Books” series. This collection covers the basics – first words, colors, animals, foods, numbers, opposites, vehicles, and simple sentences – all designed to help build a child’s vocabulary and confidence in both English and Kurmanji.

More books are planned, and many ideas are bubbling. There are stories I want to tell, cultural touchstones I want to share, and more ways I hope to support families like mine. Some of these future projects are already taking shape, while others are still dreams waiting for their moment.

But for now, this is where Kurmanji Books begins. With these first books, offered with hope and excitement.

Thank you for visiting and for being part of this journey. I sincerely hope these books help your child, and your family, feel a little more connected to the beautiful Kurdish language, to a rich heritage, and to all the wonderful parts of who they are – and who they are becoming.

Warmly,

Azad (Ayden) Mich
Creator, Kurmanji Books