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‘Sold Out to the Enemy’: Emerging Symbolic Boundaries in Kurdish Politics and the Strategic Uses of Labeling Treason

Article: English. Online
Author(s)
Casier, Marlies ; Gurbuz, Mustafa E. ; Jongerden, Joost
Title
‘Sold Out to the Enemy’: Emerging Symbolic Boundaries in Kurdish Politics and the Strategic Uses of Labeling Treason
In
European Journal of Turkish Studies, 14, 2012
Subjects
Dengbêj ; Kurdistan
Content
Testu osoa
Other authors
Casier, Marlies ; Jongerden, Joost
Type of material
Article
ISBN / ISSN
1773-0546
Why do the pro-Kurdish activists selectively condemn renowned leftists of treason? Why are allegations of treachery so ubiquitous? Existing literature suggests that the Kurdish community would be particularly receptive to allegations of treason because of its tribal structure and strong cultural codes. Drawing on the niche theory, this article argues contrary that competition over Kurdish nationalism is the key to explain the growing symbolic politics. Especially in the past decade, the PKK’s monopoly over Kurdish identity has been challenged strongly by both Islamic and leftist groups. Analyzing recent contestations over Kurdish national identity, the article illuminates how the construction of external threats and symbolic boundary making appear in the form of labeling treason.