Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1533905 in Books
• Published on: 1997-10-28
• Released on: 1997-10-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 388 pages

Amazon.com
Dismantled in the aftermath of World War I, Kurdistan is little more than a lingering memory among millions of living Kurds, against whom are pitted the governments of Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Iraq. Susan Meiselas gathers historical documents, maps, charts, and photographs that document the changing fortunes of the Kurdish people in the 20th century; anthropologist Martin Van Bruinessen provides ethnographic commentary on this mountain tribe's way of life. Kurdistan: In the Shadow of History helps bring the memory of Kurdistan and the reality of the present situation to the attention of readers unfamiliar with the region.

From School Library Journal
YAAThe first page of this unique photodocumentary shows a wide vista in Iraq. The mountains look peaceful and empty of human life. Turning the page, readers see a different reality. Thousands of Kurds with everything they own are refugees once more. This time they flee the aftermath of the Gulf War, but this is not the first time they have fled their homes. Meiselas traced families through these photos and then found more information and pictures as she met new survivors. Thus, Kurdistan acts as both a personal testimony and a historical record. On the human level, the book exposes a terrible history in brilliant photos along with compelling narratives of the long Kurdish struggle. It also serves as an excellent resource for primary-source material. The accounts are from all sides and this challenges readers to form their own opinions. This is an emotionally charged, compelling record that is bound to have a tremendous impact on its readers.ARebecca L. Woodcock, formerly of Alderman Library, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
At first glance, this history of the Kurds appears to be another coffee-table collection of stunning photographs. But award-winning documentary photographer Meiselas (Carnival Strippers, 1976; Nicaragua, 1981) has created much more than that in this in-depth documentary of the Kurds' struggle for survival and independence over the past 125 years. Chronologically arranged, each chapter begins with a concise historical overview by anthropologist Martin van Bruinessen, who has published extensively on the Kurds. The body of each of the six chapters consists of primary source information from oral histories, diaries, letters, newspapers, memoirs, British and American government documents, and telegrams, all juxtaposed with remarkable photographs. A glossary and short biographies are included. Meiselas has developed a web site (www.akaKURDISTAN.com) as an extension of the book. Although a number of books on Kurdish history have been published recently (e.g., David McDowall's Modern History of the Kurds, LJ 1/96; and Gerard Challiand's People Without a Country; LJ 6/15/93), this volume uniquely combines images and varied textual elements. Recommended for specialized Middle East collections and larger public libraries.?Ruth K. Baacke, Whatcom Cty. Lib. Sys., Bellingham, Wash.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

A "Must Own" Book
I can't put this book down, it's by far the most cherished book in my entire collection. The pictures, although heart-wrenching, are fascinating, the text is well researched and passionate. This is definitely a "must own" book, and I believe it should be required reading for all students. It captures the plight of the Kurdish population perfectly, and chronicles concisely the abuse and atrocities they have endured over the centuries. At the same time showing in explicit detail the pride and beauty of the Kurds. Anyone with even the slightest interest in history, justice, politics, or the cultures and traditions of the Kurdish and Middle Eastern regions, should own this book. Five stars is not nearly enough to rate this book, it deserves 5000 stars.

Save your pennies, it's worth it!
I don't own this book and can't afford it...but I'm saving to buy it. In the mean time I have access to one of the largest Middle Eastern libraries in the United States with unended renewal policies, so I do have a copy in my posession.

The pictures alone are absolutely amazing and well worth the book price. It has photos of original documents and papers that other books only mention in brief, transcripts from radio programs, diary entries, newspaper clippings, government papers...it is truely an amazing Kurdish documentary.
However because it does cover so much, it is not as in depth into specific subjects as other works. This does not make it any less valuable a resource though, for it contains a LOT of information that I have yet to find in any other source.

If you are a Kurdish scholar you MUST buy this book. If you are a Kurd and want to know your history, you should read this book. If you are curious about the Kurdish people, or have an interest in the regions history I highly recommend this book.

Even if you despise the Kurdish people and couldn't care less about their struggles, I still encourage you to read this book. For, if what you've been taught is true, it should certainly stand up in the face of all evidence. If it is not true, it is never too late to learn...and perhaps, just maybe, when your own country no longer discriminates against people who are different, other countries will no longer discriminate against yours for being different as well....just a little food for thought.

Would rather read a single personal account
Although this is a quality book, it is so overpriced that few people would ever buy it or get a chance to read it. I believe that the world is in great need of a readable volume about a Kurd who suffered through and survived the chemical attacks. I hope that an author famous for bringing to life the experiences of individuals will tackle this much needed project. Most people need to be educated on the Kurdish issue and on the Armenian issue. Such a book on either subject that targets ONE LIFE, I will buy and pass along to my Kurdish and Armenian relatives. This one is too convoluted and out of price range.