Religion and nationalism among different groups of religious Kurds in Türkiye

This dissertation explores the complex relationship between Islam and nationalism within the context of religious Kurds, with a specific emphasis on individuals affiliated with Sufi orders and those aligned with groups or parties not associated with Sufi orders. The study explores the causes, consequences, and varied perspectives that religious Kurds hold regarding nation and nationalism, drawing from Islamic sources such as the Quran and Hadith. Employing Bourdieu's concept of Habitus, the research introduces a dual categorization of religious Kurds—politically oriented and religiously oriented—providing insights into the dynamics within these groups. The dissertation argues that religious Kurds in Sufi orders exhibit a more moderate and less demanding form of nationalism, while religious Kurds associated with movements unrelated to specific Sufi orders advocate for a more assertive nationalism. The study contends that the differing thought and behavioral patterns among religious Kurds regarding nationalism can be explained through the lens of their distinct habitus, shaped by diverse environments or 'fields.' Drawing on Pierre Bourdieu's concept, the dissertation formulates an equation positing that varied habitus gives rise to different experiences and understandings of nationalism. This exploration seeks to understand how distinct habitus shaped the habits, inclinations, and socialization processes of religious Kurds, contributing to their different perspectives on Islam and nationalism. The dissertation makes a substantial contribution to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive analytical framework that incorporates historical, political, religious, and socio-economic factors, offering an enlightening perspective on the dynamics within these groups. Keywords: Nationalism, Religion, Islam, Religious Kurds, Sufi Orders, Türkiye