The Role of Islam in the Emergence of Kurdish Nationalism

Abstract

This article delves into the intricate relationship between Kurdish nationalism and Islam during its formative years and subsequent development. The historical backdrop reveals a profound interconnection, with profound implications for the shaping of Kurdish national identity. Kurdish nationalism's emergence and evolution were deeply enmeshed with Islamic influences. This connection found its expression through the pivotal roles played by Sufi brotherhoods and Islamic educational institutions known as madrasas. Sufi brotherhoods occupied a central position in the lives of Kurds, and it is notable that a significant majority of prominent Kurdish nationalist figures were devout followers of Sufism, nurtured within the nurturing embrace of these brotherhoods. In their turn, medreses, functioning as indispensable Islamic educational establishments, exerted a substantial influence on the rise of Kurdish national sentiments and the eventual crystallization of Kurdish nationalism. Notably, the inclusion of Kurdish language instruction within the curriculum of medreses played a pivotal role in fostering a distinct national identity, thereby providing a sturdy foundation for the emergence of Kurdish nationalism. This article sheds light on the intertwined narratives of religion and nationalism in the Kurdish context, offering valuable insights into the complex historical forces that have contributed to the shaping of Kurdish identity and the enduring relationship between Kurdish nationalism and Islam.