No Friends but the Mountains: How Kurdish Media Create Narratives of Ontological  Security for the Kurds During Times of Instability

This thesis asks: how do Kurdish media create narratives of ontological security for the Kurds during times of instability? After conducting a narrative analysis of 57 articles retrieved from two major Kurdish news outlets which cover events in Syria, the analysis resulted in two core findings: firstly, Kurdish media often portray Turkish military actions as part of a long-standing pattern of existential threat. Through emotionally charged language and structured narratives, Turkey is frequently linked to terrorism and accused of fascist or even genocidal intent. This framing fosters internal solidarity by clearly identifying an external enemy and casting Kurdish fighters as noble defenders. Secondly, Kurdish identity is shaped through narratives of trauma, resilience, and democratic values. Heroism, martyrdom, and betrayal are used to turn suffering into a shared source of strength and legitimacy. Rather than signalling defeat, trauma becomes a foundation for unity, rooting the...Show moreThis thesis asks: how do Kurdish media create narratives of ontological security for the Kurds during times of instability? After conducting a narrative analysis of 57 articles retrieved from two major Kurdish news outlets which cover events in Syria, the analysis resulted in two core findings: firstly, Kurdish media often portray Turkish military actions as part of a long-standing pattern of existential threat. Through emotionally charged language and structured narratives, Turkey is frequently linked to terrorism and accused of fascist or even genocidal intent. This framing fosters internal solidarity by clearly identifying an external enemy and casting Kurdish fighters as noble defenders. Secondly, Kurdish identity is shaped through narratives of trauma, resilience, and democratic values. Heroism, martyrdom, and betrayal are used to turn suffering into a shared source of strength and legitimacy. Rather than signalling defeat, trauma becomes a foundation for unity, rooting the Kurdish identity in a continuous narrative of resistance, affirming resilience and endurance. Additionally, values such as democracy, gender equality and inclusivity are emphasised and act as a stabilising force, anchoring the Kurdish struggle in legitimacy and righteousness. This research has found that non-state actors, such as the Kurds, use media not only to react to instability but to construct narratives that manage fear, assert political legitimacy, and reinforce collective identity – all contributing to ontological security. It demonstrates that ontological security is not just confined to sovereign states, but can also be actively produced through narrative techniques, collective memory, and symbolic representation.Show less

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No Friends but the Mountains: How Kurdish Media Create Narratives of Ontological Security for the Kurds During Times of Instability