Nashville Public Television is introducing a new series of documentary programs entitled NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORS . . . initial program, May 28th, 8:00 p.m., is entitled "Little Kurdistan, USA"

On Wednesday May 28 at 8pm, Nashville Public Television is introducing a new series of documentary programs entitled Next Door Neighbors. Next Door Neighbors looks at Nashville’s status as a new destination city for refugees and immigrants, and explores the rich diversity of people now calling Nashville home. Across the United States, mid-sized cities like Nashville, TN are experiencing unprecedented growth in their international populations. Together these communities are redefining the traditional international city on a smaller local scale. As our new neighbors rebuild their lives in Nashville, their experiences, contributions and conflicts impact the city, but they are challenged by isolation and barriers unknown to many Nashvillians. How Nashville addresses its changing demographic will be important for the future of similar communities across the country.

The first program in the Next Door Neighbors series, Little Kurdistan, USA looks at Nashville’s Kurdish population, which is the largest in North America. Kurds first arrived in Nashville in 1976 and have since established a vibrant community recognized by Kurds nationally for its strong cultural and traditional heritage. As refugees, Kurds have overcome significant barriers to survive, and flourish in Nashville. But, refugees inevitably become outsiders; estranged from their homeland, and strangers in their new home.

Over the past thirty years, Kurds in Nashville have built the first Kurdish Mosque in the US and opened businesses, restaurants, markets and bakeries, all of which provide benefits to the Kurdish community and points of access to Kurdish culture for all Nashvillians.

Little Kurdistan, USA examines how our Kurdish neighbors have adapted to life in Nashville and provides insight into the struggles refugees face as they build new lives in a new home. Little Kurdistan, USA also explores what it means to be Kurdish, and reflects on the journey Kurds make as they become Kurdish Americans.

The Next Door Neighbors series will include in-depth web content, public forums and feature a panel discussion after each of the four programs. Nashville Public Television seeks to foster a constructive conversation around Nashville’s new and increasing international status, and help introduce Nashville to its many new neighbors. In this exciting time for our city, Nashville has a tremendous opportunity to be a model for the entire United States. Next Door Neighbors hopes to encourage Nashville to make strides towards a greater awareness of its diversity and provide an avenue for interaction among all our neighbors.

Next Door Neighbors: Little Kurdistan, USA will premiere on NPT Wednesday, May 28 at 8:00pm.