A Modern History of the Kurds - Summary and Key Ideas

The book "A Modern History of the Kurds" provides a comprehensive account of the political, social, and historical journey of the Kurdish people from the 19th century to the present day. It delves into the complexities of Kurdish identity, their struggle for autonomy, and their interactions with regional and global powers.

The target group for the book "A Modern History of the Kurds" is likely students and scholars of Middle Eastern studies, as well as general readers interested in Kurdish history and culture.

Buy the book
A Modern History of the Kurds

Key ideas

01

Kurdish identity has evolved over centuries from shared geography and language to a modern, albeit contested, ethnic nationalism.

02

The history of the Kurds is marked by political dissent, tribal conflicts, and a rising nationalism amidst the decline of the Ottoman Empire.

Play in App
03

Despite internal divisions and external repression, the Kurdish quest for autonomy persisted, shaping their national consciousness throughout the 20th century.

Play in App
04

The Kurdish nationalist movement in Iran, born post World War I, has endured a century of repression and internal divisions, yet remains fueled by the persistent demand for autonomy.

Play in App
05

The Kurdish nationalist movement in Iraq, born in the 1920s, has been a tumultuous journey of tribal revolts, political fragmentation, and relentless struggle for autonomy, marked by periods of brutal persecution and genocide.

Play in App
06

The resurgence of Kurdish nationalism in Turkey, from the 1950s to the 1990s, has been a tumultuous journey of alliances, protests, repression, insurgency, and resilience.

Play in App
07

The Treaty of Sevres in 1920 proposed the creation of an autonomous or independent Kurdish state but was never implemented due to Turkish opposition.

Play in App
08

The Kurdish minority in Syria has endured a century-long struggle for recognition and autonomy, marked by political suppression, forced relocations, and statelessness.

Play in App
09

The marginalized Kurdish minority in Lebanon grapples with poverty, discrimination, and an uncertain legal status, trapped within a divided sectarian system.

Play in App
10

The Kurds in the Caucasus, a marginalized community with shifting loyalties and identities, face an uncertain and precarious existence.

Play in App
11

Play in App
12

Play in App
Get the App
Access all 11 key ideas for free!

Summary & Review

"A Modern History of the Kurds" by David McDowall is a comprehensive and detailed account of the Kurdish history from the 19th century to the present day. The book provides an in-depth analysis of the socio-political and economic struggles of the Kurdish people, their quest for national identity, and their continuous fight for autonomy and recognition in the Middle East. McDowall also explores the complex relationships between the Kurds and the states they inhabit, namely Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria, and the international community's role in the Kurdish issue.

David McDowall

David McDowall is a British scholar and historian specializing in the Middle East, particularly Palestine and Iran. He has worked in the field of humanitarian aid and development, primarily with the United Nations and various NGOs.

advertisement

Is Your Domain Name at Risk?

90% of domains are vulnerable to email fraud and spoofing. Cybercriminals can send emails as you, even if you don't. DMARC stops this.

Check DMARC Now
check is instant and free

Find all the book summaries

Quality book summaries

Eternal

"Eternal" is a historical novel by Lisa Scottoline that explores the lives of three friends, Elisabetta, Marco, and Sandro, set against the backdrop of the rise and fall of Fascism in Italy, including the horrific rastrellamento of the Jewish Ghetto in Rome. The narrative is deeply intertwined with themes of family, love, and justice, and is heavily influenced by real historical events and figures.

Marxism Leninism Maoism Basic Course

The book "Marxism-Leninism-Maoism Basic Course" provides a comprehensive understanding of the principal aspects of the ideology of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism (MLM), its historical development, and its application in socio-economic and political contexts. It covers the lives and teachings of Marx, Engels, Lenin, Stalin, and Mao, the theory of communist society, the role of the proletariat, and the process of world socialist revolution.

Chip War

"Chip War" explores the history and global impact of the semiconductor industry, highlighting its role in shaping military power, global economies, and technological advancements. It delves into the intense competition between nations, particularly the U.S., China, and Russia, in controlling this critical technology.

Last Best Hope

"Last Best Hope" is a deep exploration of the current state of American democracy, examining the nation's political and social divisions, and proposing ways to restore faith in the American ideal of equality and self-governance. It delves into the narratives that have shaped America's identity, the impact of inequality, and the need for a new narrative that can inspire unity and progress.

Theorien über primitive Religion

Das Buch 'Theorien über primitive Religion' setzt sich kritisch mit verschiedenen anthropologischen Theorien zur Religion in primitiven Gesellschaften auseinander. Der Autor, E.E. Evans-Pritchard, teilt im gesamten Werk seine Ansichten zu diesen unterschiedlichen Theorien und verdeutlicht häufig deren Unzulänglichkeiten durch logische Analysen und Feldforschungsdokumentationen.

Die Muqaddima

Die Muqaddima ist ein islamischer Geschichtstext von Ibn Khaldun, der die Wissenschaft der Zivilisation untersucht und dabei die sozialen, kulturellen und politischen Aspekte menschlicher Gesellschaften beleuchtet.