Kemalist Myth and Kurdish Nationalism: A Critical Perspective

This article critically examines the intertwined emergence of the Kemalist movement and Kurdish nationalism in Anatolia following World War I, focusing on the period from 1919 to 1922. It challenges the conventional narrative of the Turkish War of Independence as a purely national liberation struggle, arguing instead that the Kemalist movement was a continuation of Ottoman policies aimed at preserving state integrity and suppressing non-Turkish national aspirations, particularly those of the Kurds. The study highlights the conceptual confusion between "Turkey" and the Ottoman Empire, the role of the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) in shaping post-war policies, and the dual approach of the Kemalists—seeking Kurdish support against external threats while simultaneously undermining Kurdish nationalist organizations. The article contends that mainstream historiography has marginalized Kurdish identity and history, reducing Kurds to a minority status and erasing their territorial claims. By critically analyzing the roots, intentions, and policies of Kemalism, this study provides a nuanced understanding of early Republican Turkey and the failure of Kurdish nationalism, offering insights relevant to contemporary debates on ethnicity, nation-building, and historical justice.