BETWEEN EMPIRES AND FAITHS: THE HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF KURDISTAN'S RELIGIO-POLITICAL DYNAMICS
Published 2023-09-15
Keywords
- Religio-Political Conflicts,
- Middle East,
- Kurdistan,
- Historical Exploration,
- Ethno-Nationalism
How to Cite
Copyright (c) 2023 International Journal of Political and Social Sciences
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Abstract
Religio-political conflicts have long characterized the Middle East, with the Kurdistan region and its surrounding territories serving as a prominent stage for such tumultuous events. This area, encompassing the Zagros Mountains and remnants of ancient Mesopotamia, has borne witness to the birth of major religions, the rise and fall of civilizations, and an enduring legacy of strife. These historical confrontations have evolved over time and continue to manifest in various forms today, with diverse religious, ethnic, national, and state actors vying to reshape the region's political history to align with their distinct interpretations. To navigate the complex web of contemporary conflicts and avoid succumbing to implicit biases, it is essential to anchor our analysis within the rich tapestry of the region's history.
Throughout history, ethno-nationalists have wielded the power of historical narratives to forge a sense of continuity and exploit socio-historical fault lines to solidify their identities. Consequently, selectively reconstructed historical accounts have the potential to exert a profound influence on modern politics. Just as pre-modern rulers did, today's nationalists and politicians, whether rooted in religious or secular ideologies, employ religion within the framework of modern concepts like nation and nationalism. This age-old practice, deeply rooted in the fabric of politics, traces its origins to primitive societies where a political deity held sway (Mofidi, 2015). In essence, comprehending the contemporary political landscape in Kurdistan and the ethno-political dynamics of the broader Middle East necessitates a historical expedition into the enduring impact of religio-political confrontations between ancient empires and the utilization of religion as a political tool.
This research endeavors to delve into the annals of ancient Kurdistan, the ancestral homeland of the Kurdish people, in order to unearth the historical socio-political backdrop that has shaped this region marked by confrontation, conflict, and convergence. By peering into the distant past, we aim to elucidate the intricate interplay between religion, politics, and power in an area steeped in historical significance. This exploration will provide invaluable insights into the complex interplay of historical legacies and contemporary strife, shedding light on the enduring repercussions of religio-political conflicts in the Middle East.
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