Dersim as the Historical Center of Kurdistan: A Critical Academic Analysis

By Associate Professor Dr. Selim Temo (Kurdish poet, writer, academic, and translator)

Abstract

This academic paper examines the historical evidence establishing Dersim (Çemişgezek) as a central component of Kurdistan, addressing contemporary debates about the region's historical identity. Through analysis of primary historical sources spanning multiple centuries, this research demonstrates the consistent identification of Dersim as not only part of Kurdistan but often as its defining region.

Introduction

Recent discussions questioning Dersim's historical connection to Kurdistan necessitate a thorough examination of historical sources. This paper presents comprehensive evidence from multiple primary sources that consistently identify Dersim as a core region of Kurdistan, often treating the terms as synonymous.

Historical Evidence

Primary Source Documentation

1. Velâyet-nâme-i Hacı Bektaş-ı Velî (pre-1501)

• Directly equates Çemişgezek (Dersim) with Kurdistan
• Represents one of the earliest explicit identifications
• Research by Erdal Gezik confirms this interpretation

1. Ottoman Imperial Documents

• Sultan Suleiman's 1526 letter to French King François
• References Kurdistan specifically in relation to Çemişgezek
• Notable censorship of this reference in modern media adaptations

1. Çemişkezek Liva Law (1541)

• Official Ottoman administrative document
• Explicitly states the region was "under Kurdistan jurisdiction"
• Gürdal Aksoy's research confirms this legal designation

Sharafnama's Definitive Account

The 1597 "Sharafnama" by Sharaf Khan Bidlisi provides crucial evidence:

• Explicitly states "When Kurdistan is mentioned, Çemişgezek comes to mind first"
• Distinguishes between historical and geographical Kurdistan
• Positions Dersim as the archetypal Kurdish region

Contemporary Geographical Context

Evliya Çelebi's 17th century observations provide additional verification:

• Describes Harput (Elazığ) as "within Kurdistan's borders"
• Documents the predominantly Kurdish population
• Notes multilingual nature of the region (Kurdish, Turkish, Armenian)

Addressing Counter-Arguments

Historical evidence consistently contradicts recent claims attempting to separate Dersim from Kurdistan:

1. Administrative Recognition

• Multiple Ottoman administrative documents recognize Dersim as Kurdistan
• Consistent historical recognition across different political periods
• Legal and administrative continuity in designation

1. Cultural Continuity

• Historical sources consistently document Kurdish cultural presence
• Linguistic evidence supports historical Kurdish identity
• Continuous recognition in historical chronicles

Conclusion

The historical record unambiguously establishes Dersim's central position within Kurdistan. Primary sources spanning multiple centuries consistently identify Dersim/Çemişgezek as not only part of Kurdistan but often as its defining region. Recent arguments attempting to separate Dersim from its Kurdish identity contradict extensive historical documentation.

Research Implications

This research demonstrates the importance of returning to primary sources when addressing questions of historical identity. The consistent historical identification of Dersim as Kurdistan across multiple independent sources and time periods provides strong evidence against recent attempts to rewrite this historical relationship.

For further detailed analysis and additional historical sources, readers are directed to the author's comprehensive work "Horasan Kürtleri" (Kurds of Khorasan), particularly the expanded 5th and 6th editions, which provide extensive documentation of these historical connections.