The Clash of Empires and the Rise of Kurdish Proto-Nationalism, 1905-1926 - by Mehrdad Kia (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This book focuses on the rise of Kurdish nationalism in northwestern Iran in the context of the emergence of the Kurdish leader, Ismail Agha Simko, who organized a movement to establish a Kurdish state between 1918 and 1922 The rise of Simko is analyzed in the historical framework of the collapse of the Russian and Ottoman empires, as well as the disappearance of Iranian governmental authority in various provinces of the country during and after the end of the First World War. The book also investigates the impact of Iranian, Turkish, and Assyrian nationalisms on Simko and his movement. Drawing upon original documents, the author provides an in-depth analysis of the political, and socio-economic causes for the rise of proto-Kurdish nationalism in northwestern Iran during and after the Great War.

From the Back Cover

This book focuses on the rise of Kurdish nationalism in northwestern Iran in the context of the emergence of the Kurdish leader, Ismail Agha Simko, who organized a movement to establish a Kurdish state between 1918 and 1922 The rise of Simko is analyzed in the historical framework of the collapse of the Russian and Ottoman empires, as well as the disappearance of Iranian governmental authority in various provinces of the country during and after the end of the First World War. The book also investigates the impact of Iranian, Turkish, and Assyrian nationalisms on Simko and his movement. Drawing upon original documents, the author provides an in-depth analysis of the political, and socio-economic causes for the rise of proto-Kurdish nationalism in northwestern Iran during and after the Great War.

Mehrdad Kia is the Co-Director of the Central and Southwest Asian Studies Center at the University of Montana, USA, where he is also a professor ofMiddle Eastern and Central Asian history and politics.

Review Quotes

"Kia's book offers a fresh perspective on Kurdish proto-nationalism and the life and rebellion of Simko Shikak within the broader geopolitics of the early 20th century, making it an essential read for scholars and practitioners interested in Middle Eastern history, early Kurdish history, ethnic conflicts, and the formation of nationalist movements. ... Kia's book a fundamental contribution to scholarship on Simko, and a valuable read for anyone interested in early 20th century Kurdish and Iranian history." (Hogr Tarkhani, Kurdish Studies Journal, Vol. 2 (2), December, 2024)

About the Author

Mehrdad Kia is the Co-Director of the Central and Southwest Asian Studies Center at the University of Montana, USA, where he is also a professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian history and politics.