The imaginary Kurdish museum: Ordinary Kurds, narrative nationalisms and collective memory
Vera Eccarius-Kelly
Professor of Political Science at Siena College, USA
Professor of Political Science at Siena College, USA
Keywords: Kurdish diaspora; Kurdishness; identity; memory; nationalism..
Abstract
The aim of this article is to reflect on the role of Kurdish collective memory in the diaspora as it affirms Kurdishness and rejects the Turkish state’s hegemonic histories. Where can Kurdish families go to recognise their own heritage, reflect on their socio-cultural journeys, share experiences, or validate familial memories? Non-elite diaspora Kurds are asked to curate exhibits for an imagined Kurdish museum. The exhibit proposals explore how ideas and beliefs shape diasporic representations of Kurdishness and why the (in)visibility of Kurdish diaspora communities remains a pressing concern.