Nationalism, history and civilization in Öcalan's thought

Using an interpretive-textual method, this study seeks to analyse the major characteristics of Abdullah Öcalan's narrative of history in terms of the relationship between history and nationalism. Öcalan has been the undisputed leader of the PKK since the founding of the organization in 1978. As the leader who has shaped the policies of the PKK, Öcalan's narrative of history has functioned as a cognitive map for the organization. Accordingly, this study argues that Öcalan's narrative of history reflects a strong primordialist tendency. Furthermore, it is argued that history has been a significant component of Öcalan's political thought.