This thesis looks into symbols of nationalism to investigate the deeper complexities of nationalism. Specifically, the focus has been on the Kurdish minstrels, the dengbêjs, and how they reflect...Show moreThis thesis looks into symbols of nationalism to investigate the deeper complexities of nationalism. Specifically, the focus has been on the Kurdish minstrels, the dengbêjs, and how they reflect the changes undergone by Kurdish nationalism in Turkey. The main argument of this thesis is that the dengbêjs, through their changed importance, are indicative of the changes in Kurdish nationalism itself. It is specifically the rise of the dengbêjs’ popularity in recent years that is discussed. To explore their significance, the first chapter will outline the fundamental concepts of nationalism and collective memory. To provide further understanding of the situation for Kurds in Turkey and why the dengbêjs may be so important, an overview will be provided of Kurdish history and the historical developments of Kurdish nationalism. Finally, the third chapter will discuss the dengbêjs, analyze the developments the minstrel art has gone through, and relate these to the changes in Kurdish nationalism. The dengbêjs form a reminder and a reinvigoration of the Kurdish identity, and elevate the Kurdish language and culture to new levels. The dengbêjs’ popularization is not only a matter of local processes, but equally of global processes affecting nationalism and culture.Show less
This thesis will analyse one of the significant events that had a massive impact on the Non-Muslim minorities in Turkey. This event is the Istanbul pogrom of 1955 that occurred on 6-7 September.The...Show moreThis thesis will analyse one of the significant events that had a massive impact on the Non-Muslim minorities in Turkey. This event is the Istanbul pogrom of 1955 that occurred on 6-7 September.The event can be described as organised attacks that was directed against the Greek minority, but it should be noted that other non-Muslim minorities, such as Jews and Armenians were also affected by the pogrom. This thesis will analyse the impact of the Turkish Nationalism on the pogrom and evaluate how does the changing Turkish Nationalist discourse reflected during the pogrom. For this reflection several examples from print media will be assessed.Show less
