By Alişan Akpınar, M.A. in History
Abstract
This comprehensive study examines the systematic transformation of state policies regarding Kurdish identity from the late Ottoman period through the early Turkish Republic. Through extensive analysis of historical documents, institutional records, and policy implementations, this research demonstrates how the state apparatus evolved from recognizing Kurdish identity to developing theories of Kurdish "Turkishness." The study reveals the complex interplay between intellectual frameworks, institutional mechanisms, and practical policies in this transformation.
Introduction
The question of Kurdish identity in Turkish state policy represents a significant shift in approaches to ethnicity and nationalism during the late Ottoman and early Republican periods. This research examines how state institutions developed and implemented policies to reclassify Kurdish identity, moving from explicit recognition to theoretical assimilation into Turkish identity.
Literature Review
Previous studies have examined various aspects of Kurdish policy in the Ottoman-Republican transition, but few have comprehensively analyzed the institutional mechanisms behind the theoretical transformation of Kurdish identity. This study builds upon the foundational work of researchers such as Fuat Dündar, Suavi Aydın, and Mesut Yeğen, while incorporating newly analyzed historical documents and institutional records.
Historical Background: Ottoman Recognition (1908-1913)
Kurdish Identity in the Ottoman Period
During the early 20th century, the Ottoman state maintained a clear recognition of Kurdish identity, as evidenced by:
- Official Publications and Education:
- Kurdish language newspapers and journals flourished
- Kurdish Teaching Society (Kürt Teavün ve Terakki) operated openly
- Military schools included dedicated sections on Kurdistan
- Geographic and administrative records acknowledged Kurdish regions
- Cultural and Educational Institutions:
- Kurdish Meşrutiyet School in Istanbul (1910)
- Kurdish Student Organization (Hevi)
- Collaboration between Turkish and Kurdish intellectual societies
- Academic Recognition:
- Şemsettin Sami's encyclopedic works on Kurdish history
- Official recognition of Kurdish emirates and administration
- Acknowledgment of Kurdish historical texts (Sherefname)
The Transformation Period (1913-1918)
Institutional Framework
- Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) Policies:
- Emergence of Turkish nationalist wing
- Development of assimilation theories
- Creation of specialized institutions
- Key Institutional Developments:
- Establishment of Directorate of Tribes and Immigrants
- Formation of Scientific Committee (Encümeni İlmiye)
- Implementation of Kurdish survey (1914)
Theoretical Framework Development
- Ziya Gökalp's Influence:
- Social Darwinist approach to Kurdish identity
- Theory of "representation and homogenization"
- Concept of "civilizing mission"
- The "Dr. Fri" Publications:
- Analysis of authorship (Habil Adem/Naci İsmail Pelister)
- Impact on subsequent policy development
- Scientific legitimization attempts
Implementation Mechanisms (1923-1960)
Early Republican Period Policies
- Language and Education:
- Restrictions on Kurdish language use
- Implementation of Turkish-only education
- "Citizen, Speak Turkish" campaigns
- Cultural and Administrative Measures:
- Renaming of geographic locations
- Suppression of Kurdish cultural expressions
- Rewriting of historical narratives
Post-1960 Developments
- Institutional Responses:
- Establishment of Turkish Culture Research Institute (1961)
- Revival of earlier theoretical works
- New academic studies supporting state narrative
- Policy Adaptations:
- Modified assimilation strategies
- Urban relocation policies
- Language policy continuity
Modern Implications
Contemporary Policy Evolution
- Urban Transformation:
- Impact of forced migrations
- Changes in Kurdish social structure
- Effects of urbanization on cultural preservation
- Educational Policies:
- Ongoing debates about mother-tongue education
- Impact on cultural transmission
- New forms of cultural resistance
Emerging Dynamics
- Youth Response:
- Rise of Kurdish nationalism
- Cultural revival movements
- Identity politics in urban settings
- Policy Challenges:
- Integration vs. assimilation debates
- Language rights discussions
- Cultural preservation issues
Research Implications
Academic Significance
- Contribution to understanding state policy evolution
- Insights into identity transformation mechanisms
- Framework for analyzing similar historical processes
Policy Implications
- Understanding historical roots of current issues
- Identifying policy pattern continuities
- Recognizing impact of historical policies
Conclusion
This research demonstrates the complex evolution of state policies regarding Kurdish identity from the late Ottoman period through the early Republic. The systematic transformation from recognition to theoretical assimilation reveals the intricate relationship between institutional mechanisms, intellectual frameworks, and practical policies. Understanding this historical process provides crucial insights into contemporary debates about identity, citizenship, and cultural rights in Turkey.
Recommendations for Further Research
- Comparative analysis with similar historical processes
- Detailed examination of local implementation variations
- Investigation of cultural resistance mechanisms
- Analysis of long-term social impacts
Keywords
Kurdish identity, Turkish nationalism, assimilation policies, Ottoman Empire, Republic of Turkey, ethnic studies, institutional transformation, cultural policy, historical revisionism
References
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Note: This academic article is based on historical documentation and research. The interpretation of these events continues to be debated among scholars, and this work contributes to ongoing academic discussions in the field.