Dismantled in the aftermath of World War I, Kurdistan is little more than a lingering memory among millions of living Kurds, against whom are pitted the governments of Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Iraq. Susan Meiselas gathers historical documents, maps, charts, and photographs that document the changing fortunes of the Kurdish people in the 20th century; anthropologist Martin Van Bruinessen provides ethnographic commentary on this mountain tribe's way of life. Kurdistan: In the Shadow of History helps bring the memory of Kurdistan and the reality of the present situation to the attention of readers unfamiliar with the region.
From School Library Journal
YAAThe first page of this unique photodocumentary shows a wide vista in Iraq. The mountains look peaceful and empty of human life. Turning the page, readers see a different reality. Thousands of Kurds with everything they own are refugees once more. This time they flee the aftermath of the Gulf War, but this is not the first time they have fled their homes. Meiselas traced families through these photos and then found more information and pictures as she met new survivors. Thus, Kurdistan acts as both a personal testimony and a historical record. On the human level, the book exposes a terrible history in brilliant photos along with compelling narratives of the long Kurdish struggle. It also serves as an excellent resource for primary-source material. The accounts are from all sides and this challenges readers to form their own opinions. This is an emotionally charged, compelling record that is bound to have a tremendous impact on its readers.ARebecca L. Woodcock, formerly of Alderman Library, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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