A Modern History of the Kurds: Third Edition [Paperback]

David McDowall (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1850434166 | ISBN-13: 978-1850434160 | Publication Date: May 14, 2004 | Edition: 3 Revised

The division of the Kurdish people among four modern nation states--Iraq, Turkey, Syria and Iran--and their struggle for national rights have been constant themes of recent Middle East history. The Kurdish lands have been contested territory for many centuries. In this detailed history of the Kurds from the 19th century to the present day, McDowall examines the interplay of old and new aspects of the struggle, the importance of local rivalries within Kurdish society, the enduring authority of certain forms of leadership and the failure of modern states to respond to the challenge of Kurdish nationalism. Drawing extensively on primary sources McDowall's book is useful for all who want a better understanding of the underlying dynamics of the Kurdish question.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

McDowall, a British specialist on Middle Eastern affairs (Palestine and Israel: The Uprising and Beyond, Univ. of California, 1990) and acknowledged expert on the Kurds, has produced a comprehensive, highly detailed history of the Kurds?the first in English of such depth?focusing primarily on the 19th century to the present. Relying extensively on primary sources including those in Arabic, Turkish, and various languages spoken by the Kurds, he gives considerable coverage to the 1918-25 period, when the Kurds lost their one main opportunity for autonomy after the demise of the Ottoman and Qajar empires. Today's ongoing struggle for Kurdish independence stems from the apportioning that took place during that seven-year period after World War I, dividing the Kurds among the newly created nations of Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria. McDowall focuses on the Kurds in Turkey and Iraq, where they constitute more than 20 percent of the population. He also includes background information on Kurdish society not readily available in English, e.g., on the various Islamic sects to which a minority of the Kurds belong. Each chapter concludes with an extensive source and footnote list. Although unquestionably a valuable and well-written work, because of its scholarly nature it is highly recommended only for academic and specialized Middle East collections.?Ruth K. Baacke, Whatcom Cty. Lib. System, Bellingham, Wash.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Praise for previous editions:
"...the best single narrative history of the Kurds ... It certainly belongs on the shelf of anyone interested in the Middle East today..."--Washington Post Book World

"...a work of impressive traditional scholarship...an extraordinary account."--New York Times

"...an impressive and important achievement."--New Statesman and Society

"...a superbly readable narrative...a great achievement on many levels."--Christopher Walker

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 504 pages
• Publisher: I. B. Tauris; 3 Revised edition (May 14, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1850434166
• ISBN-13: 978-1850434160
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #524,074 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive and compelling history of the Kurds, February 9, 2002

By 

P. J Lambert "pjlambert" (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Modern History of the Kurds (Paperback)

The tragic history of the Kurds, with regards to their internecine politics vis-a-vis the various tribes, and more importantly their use as a pawn by larger states in the harsh realpolitik of the region has been captured in this extraordinary book. From the Treaty of Sevres, which offered a glimmer of hope to the Kurds for statehood, to the Treaty of Lausanne, which ultimately marked the end of any Great Power support for statehood aspirations, the book creates a remarkable story.
Following WWI, and with the subsequent jockeying for power in the region following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, McDowall presents a clear pattern of failure by the Kurds to coalesce and create a common front to articulate their views. Also presented is the similarly clear pattern by the states, which currently have Kurdish populations, to disenfranchise the Kurds and marginalize their political aspirations.
This history covers the fallout from the Coalition war against Iraq (Operation DESERT STORM). I would love to see a more current version of the book which discusses how the current status quo has refueled Kurdish aspirations for autonomy...likewise I would like to see how recent events in Turkey have affected the Kurdish population of SE Turkey.
A great book for both the casual reader of the history of this volatile region of the world, and for the scholar alike...Highly recommended. McDowall has penned the authoratitive modern history.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a dismal reality!, January 30, 2003

By 

Bassam Noor (Bahrain) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Modern History of the Kurds (Paperback)

Very detailed description of the modern history of kurds. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the history of the kurds.

The only shortcoming of the book is that it stops in the year 1996. And thus does not account for the capture of Abdullah Ocalan, the leader PPK, and other major new incidents. Nevertheless, you will learn a lot!

13 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars details every Turkish,Persian,and Arab should read, August 31, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: A Modern History of the Kurds (Hardcover)

Although the authorhas cut some of the subjects very short such as Kurdish language and excluded Yezidi and LUR from Kurdish nationality,he is very detailed in the history of the last century of Kurdistan in amanner i have never seen.I truly encourage every Kurd,Turk,Persian, and Arab to read this Treasure.I also would like to get in touch with Mr Mcdowall to discuss the possibility of translating it into either Kurdish or Arabic.