The Kurdish National Movement: Its Origins and Development

by Wadie Jwaideh

A seminal work in the field of Kurdish studies, Wadie Jwaideh’s pioneering research, published for the first time, presents a detailed analysis of the early phases of Kurdish nationalism and offers a framework within which to understand the movement’s later development. Following Wadie Jwaideh’s dissertation defense, his doctoral chairman took aside Jwaideh’s wife, Alice, and asked her to submit the work for publication without Wadie’s permission, believing that Wadie’s penchant for perfection would postpone its publication indefinitely. The thesis was never published during Jwaideh’s lifetime, but its fame spread by word of mouth, and many scholars have recognized its importance not only as a study of the earlier periods of Kurdish nationalism but also as a model for understanding its subsequent history. The work now stands as a classic, referenced by some of the most renowned scholars in the field. Its publication will permit it to reach a greater audience and to contribute more fully to the understanding and appreciation of this geopolitical and cultural movement. Jwaideh was born in the southern Iraqi city of Basra, into an Arabic-speaking Christian family that later moved to Baghdad. His intimate knowledge of the land and its people gave Jwaideh shrewd insight into Kurdish society and politics. Exploring the rich historical roots of the Kurdish national movement, he challenges the established view of the early Kurdish uprisings as isolated incidents triggered by economic hardship or political dissatisfaction. Instead he offers a new interpretation of the Kurds’ nationalist position, convincingly demonstrating the age and depth of their grievances. This complex and layered history of the Kurdish nationalist movement offers a valuable perspective from which to view the current conditions in Iraq. Jwaideh’s sensitive and prescient treatment of this region gives his study great contemporary relevance.

Genres: History

419 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2006

Reviews

[Mohamed · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a great book. I recommend it not only for those interested in the origins and development of Kurdish national movement, but also those who would like to understand the Kurdish way of life and the current political affairs in the Kurdish-inhabited countries.
Its first chapters are about historical, geographical and cultural background and the Kurds' social organization, very well written indeed. Written meticulously and objectively, this book provides a really rich and interesting account of Kurdish nationalism.
You will be familiar with the major revolts and uprisings occurred during 19th and first half of 20th century. Shiekh Ubaydullay nehri, Sheikh Saidi Piran, Muhammad Pasha, Mulla Idris, Sheikh Mahmud, Mustaffa Barzani and Qazi Mohamed are among the many names you will learn that have tremendous significance to Kurdish national history.

[Jonathan Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an incredibly thorough review of Kurdish nationalism up to about 1960.

As it was Jwaideh's thesis, there are parts of it that are very dry and detail-heavy. That being said, his passion for what he's writing about does occasionally seep through.

It's a must-read for anyone taking a deeper look into contemporary Kurdish issues. The parallels between pre-1960 Kurdish nationalists and modern-day ones are quite strong, and one definitely gets a sense of why the situation seems to be stuck in a cyclical stalemate with no clear Kurdish leadership.

[Joel Trono-Doerksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the books I have read on the overall history of Kurdistan, this is by far the best. Although it ends in 1959 for anyone looking for a history of the Kurds from 1800 to 1959 this is the book. The Modern History of the Kurds by McDowell is good as well but it starts in the 1880s and doesn't include the first Kurdish principalities and their history.

[Mehmed Tekik · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the French Revolution swept across the world, shaking up mighty empires, the new century was pregnant with dozens of new nation-states. Of course, the peoples under Ottoman rule would also have a share of this. The Kurds, one of the most ancient peoples of the Middle East, were caught up in this storm and would rise up in various regions in various rebellions.

In this context, Jweidah's work, which examines in detail the emergence, spread, and obstacles of Kurdish consciousness, is an unparalleled work for Kurdish nationalists and enthusiasts. The author's objective approach to events, his use of numerous sources, and his fluent language further enhance the value of his work. His smooth presentation of the events experienced by the Kurds from Sheikh Ubeydullah to the Iraqi revolution greatly satisfies the reader.

In this work, we can also see that the reasons why the Kurds still cannot pursue a centralized politics date back to the period of Mahmud II. The Kurdish national awakening process, full of countless rebellions and occupations, continues to have a strong impact today. I believe that every Kurdistani individual who asks himself "why don't we have a state?" will find the answer to this question in part in this work.

[Lilly Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

If it’s a history book you’re after - this is it.

[sidana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wadie Jwaideh'i tebrik etmemek elde değil..Tarihi kaynaklarda Kürtler hakkında bilğiye ulaşmanın ve kaynakların kıt olmasına ragmen ortaya çok güzel bir çalışma çıkarmıştır..Son yüzyılda Kürtler hakkında bilgi arayanlar için iyi bir kaynak..

"Tarihte ilk defa M.Ö. 3000'li yıllarda bir kil tablette bahsedildiği inancı,akademisyenler arasında genel kabul görmüştür"
"Kürtler,bir ulus olarak,İşkoçlar İngilizlere ne anlam ifade ediyorsa,Araplar,Türklere ve İranlılara aynı anlamı ifade etmiştir."
"Köken olarak Medlere dayanır"
"Bilinen tarihten beri hep daglarda ve göçebe tarzı yaşayan bir ırk.."

"Kürdistan tanımı ilk defa Şelçuklular döneminde kullanılmış ve bugünkü mezopotamya topraklarına..."
"Eyyübiler en bilinen kürt hanedanlığıdır,ardından Şeddadiler,Mervaniler,..."
"Asurlular zamanında Kürtlere Kardu diye tanımlanırdır.Asur dilinde "güçlü"veya "kahraman"anlamını taşırdı"
"Fuhuş,Kürtler arasında bilinen birşey değildir ve gerçektede çok sayıda yazar Kürt dilinde "fahişe"sözcüğünün karşılıyan bir sözcül olmadığını not etmektedir."
"Yezidilerin inanışına göre Tanrı Kürtçe konuşurmuş..."
"Mogol İmparatorunun ,Halifelik topraklarını işğak etmek üzere kardeşi Huşagu Han'a verdiği talimat ilginçtir:
Hükmüne boyun eğenlere iyi davran!Asileri ez!Yoluna çıkan tüm kaleleri,surları yerle bir et..Turan'dan İran'a ilerle ve orayı aldıktan sonra Irak'a geç;Lorların ve Kürtlerin kökünü kazı,eşkiyalıklarıyla seyyahları her daim tasalandıran kalelerini,Kardeh-Kuh ve Lembeh-Şer'i yık...."

[Selva · Rating 2 out of 5]

kitap özeti: ingiltere <3 cnm britanyam <3 kürtleri medenileştirmeye çalışan ingiliz subaylar <3 nankör kürtlerin isyan etmesi <3 pis türkler <3