The Sheikh Mahmud Rebellion as Reflected in Ottoman Military Archives: A Struggle for Kurdish Independence under British Occupation

Abstract

This article investigates the uprising led by Sheikh Mahmud Barzanji during and after World War I, focusing on his determined efforts to establish an independent Kurdish state in Southern Kurdistan under British control. Drawing on Ottoman General Staff (ATASE) archives and contemporary memoirs, the revolt’s origins, development, and suppression are investigated, emphasizing the difficulties posed by a fragmented tribal society lacking military coordination and political unity. Initially appointed by the British as Governor of Kurdistan, Sheikh Mahmud rejected a symbolic role and instead pursued sovereign authority, thus becoming a central figure in Kurdish nationalist resistance. His rebellion, which continued with varying intensity until 1931, included attempts to form alliances with Kurdish tribes in Iran, reflecting one of the earliest efforts toward Kurdish unity and self-rule. Although the uprising was ultimately quelled by superior British military force, it remains a significant episode in modern Kurdish history. The revolt illustrates the broader tensions between colonial powers and indigenous movements seeking self-determination. By shedding light on lesser-known aspects of the rebellion, the article situates it within the broader continuum of Kurdish uprisings during the late Ottoman and early British Mandate periods, offering insights into the early dynamics of Kurdish nationalism and its enduring legacy.

Keywords

• Sheikh Mahmud
• British Empire
• Ottoman Empire
• Kurdistan
• Kurdish Revolt.

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