Kurdish Politics in Iran: Crossborder Interactions and Mobilisation since 1947

This book provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of the Iranian Kurdish movement, exploring the politicization of national sentiments and the connections with Kurdish groups in Iraq. It demonstrates how the ethnonationalist movement was a product of discriminatory policies by changing Iranian regimes towards non-Persian and non-Shiite communities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Reflecting on seven decades of the Iranian Kurdish movement, this book offers a comprehensive and critical analysis of the politicization of national sentiments within Iran, and the connections the movement made and developed with Kurdish groups in Iraq. Looking at Kurdish-state relations through events taking place across remote, rural, and urban areas in Kurdistan, Allan Hassaniyan analyzes nationalist as well as non-nationalist aspects of Kurdish politics and history, reading the evolution of Kurdish nationalism through analyzing cross-border Kurdish interaction. Paying particular attention to movement mobilizations and different aspects of the collective actions and insurgency deployed by actors, civil society organizations, and the political parties of Iranian Kurds during different phases of the movement, Hassaniyan demonstrates how the ethnonationalist movement of the Iranian Kurds was a product of a discriminatory policy pursued by changing Iranian regimes toward non-Persian and non-Shiite communities in the country, particularly in the second half of the twentieth century.

The Iranian Kurdish movement has a rich history spanning seven decades, marked by significant political and social developments. This book delves into the intricate dynamics of the politicization of national sentiments within Iran and the profound connections established between the Iranian Kurdish movement and Kurdish groups in Iraq. By examining events across remote, rural, and urban areas in Kurdistan, Allan Hassaniyan offers a comprehensive analysis of Kurdish politics and history, exploring both nationalist and non-nationalist aspects. Through a detailed examination of cross-border Kurdish interaction, Hassaniyan sheds light on the evolution of Kurdish nationalism.

One of the key themes of the book is the mobilization of the Iranian Kurdish movement and the various collective actions and insurgency deployed by actors, civil society organizations, and political parties during different phases of the movement. Hassaniyan demonstrates how these actions were shaped by a discriminatory policy pursued by changing Iranian regimes toward non-Persian and non-Shiite communities, particularly in the second half of the twentieth century. The book sheds light on the struggles and resilience of the Iranian Kurdish community, highlighting their efforts to assert their identity and rights within the context of a nation that has often marginalized and oppressed them.

The politicization of national sentiments within Iran has had far-reaching consequences, not only for the Kurdish community but for the broader Iranian society as well. The movement has contributed to the development of a more inclusive and diverse Iranian identity, challenging the dominant Persian nationalism that has historically marginalized other ethnic and religious groups. However, the journey towards greater inclusivity and recognition has been fraught with challenges, including violent clashes between the Iranian government and Kurdish separatist groups.

The connections between the Iranian Kurdish movement and Kurdish groups in Iraq are also a central theme of the book. The Iranian Kurds have long been a part of a larger Kurdish diaspora that spans across borders, and the movement has played a crucial role in fostering solidarity and cooperation between Kurdish communities. The book explores the historical and cultural ties that bind the Iranian Kurdish community to their counterparts in Iraq, as well as the challenges and opportunities that arise from these connections.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the study of the Iranian Kurdish movement and its complex relationship with national sentiments within Iran and Kurdish groups in Iraq. Through a comprehensive analysis of nationalist and non-nationalist aspects of Kurdish politics and history, Hassaniyan provides a deep understanding of the movement's evolution and the factors that have shaped it. The book sheds light on the struggles and resilience of the Iranian Kurdish community, highlighting their efforts to assert their identity and rights within the context of a nation that has often marginalized and oppressed them. The connections between the Iranian Kurdish movement and Kurdish groups in Iraq also offer valuable insights into the broader regional dynamics of Kurdish identity and politics. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the Iranian Kurdish movement and its impact on the region.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 236 x 159 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316516430