Integration versus recognition: The Kurdish case in Turkey

Mgr. Bc. Šárka Dušková

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

The paper deals with the approaches in policies towards national minorities, specifically in the case of Kurds in Turkey. It builds on the basic dichotomy between the integration approach and recognition approach, which is often depicted as contradicting. The aim of the author is to show that neither of those approaches alone is sufficient in adressing the question and conversely, need to complement each other. The theoretical claim is supported by description of both side´s attempts to solve the Kurdish question in Turkey, that is by the Kemalist state´s integration attempts and the development of Kurdish nationalism, by a research questionnaire on the topic and interviews with the concerned.

Abstract:

The paper deals with the approaches in policies towards national minorities, specifically in the case of Kurds in Turkey. It builds on the basic dichotomy between the integration approach and recognition approach, which is often depicted as contradicting. The aim of the author is to show that neither of those approaches alone is sufficient in adressing the question and conversely, need to complement each other. The theoretical claim is supported by description of both side´s attempts to solve the Kurdish question in Turkey, that is by the Kemalist state´s integration attempts and the development of Kurdish nationalism, by a research questionnaire on the topic and interviews with the concerned.

Keywords

Integration, Kurds, minorities, nation state, nationalism, social justice, Turkey.

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 20. 12. 2011

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 10. 1. 2012
• Supervisor: JUDr. Mgr. Ivo Pospíšil, Ph.D.
• Reader: PhDr. Pavel Pšeja, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Social Studies

Bachelor programme / field:
Political Science / International Relations