Herki

Herki is the second largest tribe in Kurdistan after Jaff. The largest part of this tribe live in Iraqi Kurdistan, and a significant number live in Iranian Kurdistan and also some large communities in Turkish Kurdistan.

Sub-tribes

The Herkis are divided in three sub-tribes: Menda, Sida and Serhati. These three sub-tribes contain a very large number of families. The Mendas are Stuni (which are both Mendas and Sidas), Male Keje, Mamshekha, Avdia, Male Zahire, Mam Brahima, Male Sheme, Male Melaye, Mam Hacika, Male Shine, Male Kore Reshe, Male Suvare (which are both Mendas and Sidas), Bab Ezdini (which are both Mendas and Serhatis) and many more. The Sidas are Mamusa, Mirza Shekha,Male bas(basiany), Male Melheme, Liasia, Ki, Male Suvare, Peseagha, Misamdini, Khodedai, and Male Khane. The Serhatis are Aghuba, Navi, Male Be, Male Ise and many more. The legend says Menda, Sida and Serhati are the names of the three brother which are the ancestors of the Herkis. Their father's name was Babeker. The Herkis draw back their ancestry to the Shamzina/Herkobedav located in today's Turkish Kurdistan. The Herki dialect belongs to the Kurmanji dialect which is spoken by most Kurds.