A Modern History of the Kurds

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 the Hardcover edition.