| dc.description.abstract | This thesis examines the identity construction of Kird/Zaza in Çewlig/Bingöl. It will track how the Kird/Zaza identity is being constructed, and who the main actors of this identity formation are. This research will also analyse how the political and cultural battle over Kird/Zaza identity has been conducted in Çewlig/Bingöl between 1980 and 2015. Furthermore, it will examine how the Kird/Zaza identity is being constructed by different political actors and groups in Çewlig/Bingöl. This research argues that the process of ‘identifying’ the locals has begun by the Turkish state taking a direct position in identity politics. Since 1930s, the Turkish state has introduced the idea of ‘the Zazas are not Kurds’. This idea was opposed by the Kurdish movements’ counter-argument claiming that Zazas have always been one of the main pillars of Kurdishness. Since 1980s, the Zazas have initiated to become a subject group of these identity discussions that have been played over them. Thereby, the main timescale focus in this identity formation will be between 1980 and 2015. Thus, this research will, particularly, focus on the construction and consolidation of Kird/Zaza identity. The analyses of the thesis will be based on the case study analyses of the Kirdki/Zazaki-speaking group in Çewlig/Bingöl. Besides, it will take Çewlig/Bingöl as its geographical study area. There are Zazaki and Kurmanji speaking groups as well as Sunni Muslim, and Alevis as religious groups in and surrounding areas of Çewlig/Bingöl. Therefore, it will also explore the neighbouring areas such as Dersim/Tunceli, Elazig, Diyarbakir and Mus to compare local identity dynamics. This research has been based on interdisciplinary approach, applying theories of political anthropology, cultural anthropology, political sciences, sociology, ethnicity and nationalism. This study will adopt qualitative research approaches and main aspects of qualitative research, such as interviews, observation, participant observation and discourse analysis are used in this research. Finally, the analysis of this thesis is accomplished through examination of various contemporary resources such as identity literatures, governments` reports, books, journals, websites, and interviews. | en_GB |
