ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A new book written Dr. Azad Ahmed Ali and published by Rudaw Research Center sheds light on the area that was known as “Ottoman Kurdistan” during the empire and how it came to be divided between modern day Syria and Iraq.
The book, titled "The division of Ottoman Kurdistan between Syria and Iraq" argues that after World War I, the land was unfairly divided between the newly-formed countries of Syria and Iraq, denying the Kurds of the right to have a state of their own. The division of Kurdistan coincided with the emergence of modern Turkey, under the country's founder Mustafa Kamal Ataturk who even banned the Kurdish language and any use of the word Kurdistan.
Ali describes the territory as Ottoman Kurdistan, a land ruled by the Ottoman Empire which had controlled most of the Middle East and parts of Europe. But for the Kurdish people, Ottoman Kurdistan was more than just a territory under an empire. It was their homeland, a place where they had lived throughout the ages, building their own communities and even having their own independent governments long before the empire was formed.
The book dives deep into Kurdish history, showcasing evidence that the Kurds were not newcomers to the land. They were there long before the Ottomans, and they had their own unique culture and identity. Ali calls these ancient communities "established nations" because they had a long history of living in the same place, with their own way of life based on farming and raising animals.
Long before the rise of the Ottoman Empire, the Kurds enjoyed periods of self-governance through independent emirates. These emirates, some of which achieved significant advancements in science and urban planning, demonstrate the Kurds' long-standing political aspirations and capacity for self-rule. The Marwanid Emirate (973-1094 AD), for instance, was considered a powerful entity that even paved the way for the emergence of Kurdish-led Ayyubid kingdoms in the region. This rich history of self-governance further strengthens the case for Kurdish self-determination.
The rise of the Ottoman Empire brought the Kurdish-populated regions under centralized rule. However, the concept of "Ottoman Kurdistan" emerged in the 19th century, signifying an official recognition of the Kurdish presence and a potential step towards a unified Kurdish entity within the Ottoman Empire. The establishment of the "Eyalet of Ottoman Kurdistan" in 1847, albeit short-lived, served as a tangible expression of Kurdish aspirations for autonomy. This historical episode demonstrates the Kurds' persistent desire for a unified homeland within the broader Ottoman framework.
After World War I, the Ottoman Empire crumbled and fell apart. The land that was once Ottoman Kurdistan became a target for other countries. Syria and Iraq, newly formed nations, wanted pieces of this territory for themselves. The new countries were French and British mandates respectively, and both nations also played a role, drawing borders on maps with little regard for the people who actually lived there.
When the borders were finally drawn, Kurdish communities found themselves split up, living in different countries. This division had a big impact on the Kurds. They felt disconnected from each other and lost their sense of having a unified homeland.
The book also highlights another issue: Arabization of Kurds in Arab nations. Some Arab governments tried to downplay the Kurdish presence in the region, making it seem like the Kurds were recent arrivals who did not belong. Ali criticizes these policies, arguing that they ignore the long history of the Kurds in the area.
Finally, the book explores the relationship between the Kurds and the Ottoman Empire. It was not always a smooth ride. While the Ottomans ruled the region, they sometimes limited Kurdish self-governance and even played Kurdish dynasties against each other.
Ali's research is important because it sheds light on a part of history that is often overlooked. It is a reminder that the Kurds have a long and rich history in the Middle East, and that they deserve recognition for their unique culture and identity. The book challenges the idea that Kurds are outsiders in their own land, and highlights the challenges they face in the region today.
