Dr. Djene R. Bajalan

Biography

Dr. Djene Rhys Bajalan is a historian of the Middle East specializing the rise of nationalism and the evolution of the Kurdish question. He completed his undergraduate degree in history and politics at the School of Oriental and African Studies, holds an MSc in Nationalism and Ethnicity from the London School of Economics, an MA in History from Istanbul Bilgi University and a DPhil in Oriental Studies from the University of Oxford.

He is the author of "Jön Kürtler: Birinci Dünya Savasi’ndan Önce Kürt Hareketi 1898-1914" (The Young Kurds: The Kurdish movement before the First World War)(Avesta, 2010) and co-editor of "Studies in Kurdish History: Empire, Ethnic and Islam" (Routledge, 2015).

In addition to extensive research experience in both the British and Ottoman archives, Dr. Bajalan has taught both Middle Eastern and World history in a variety of different institutions, including at the University of Oxford, Istanbul Bilgi University, and the American University of Iraq - Sulaimani. Dr. Bajalan also serves on the editorial board of the journal Kurdish Studies and publications, such as Turkeyscope, Jacobin, OpenDemocracy and Jadaliyya have featured his commentary on present-day Middle Eastern affairs.

Details

Education

• DPhil, Oriental Studies, 2015, University of Oxford
• MA, History, 2009, Istanbul Bilgi University
• MS, Nationalism and Ethnicity, 2006, London School of Economics - University of London
• BA, History and Politics, 2004, School of Oriental and African Studies - University of London

Teaching

• HST 104: World History since 1600 C.E.
• HST 370: Middle Eastern History, 600-1800 C.E.
• HST 370: Middle Eastern History from 1800 C.E.
• HST 701: Historiography and Historical Methods.

Research and professional interests

Dr. Bajalan specializes in issues pertaining to nationalism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and, in particular, its role in the break up of the Ottoman Empire in the aftermath of World War I. To date, his research has focused primarily on the region’s Kurdish community and, more specifically, the development of Kurdish political activism within the Ottoman Empire in the years leading up to the outbreak of World War I in 1914.

Selected publications:

• “On the frontiers of empire: Culture and power in early modern 'Iranian' Kurdistan”, Kurdish Studies, Vol. 5, No. 1, (2017): 1-10.
• “Princes, Pashas and Patriots: The Kurdish Intelligentsia, the Ottoman Empire and the National Question”, British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, Vol. 43, No. 2, (2016): 140-157.
• “Between Conformism and Separatism: A Kurdish Students’ Association in Istanbul 1912 to 1914”, Middle Eastern Studies, Vol. 49, No. 5 (2013): 805-823.

Additional resources

• Mind's Eye Research - Examining the Kurdish question from a historical lens
• Google Scholar Page

Area of expertise

Media appearances

'Patriot Party': How Could Trump Capitalise on His 75-Million Base After Leaving the White House?
Sputnik International
01/20/2021
Historian Dr. Djene Bajalan weighs in on whether President Trump can create a successful Patriot Party.

Who are the Kurds?
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
11/02/2019
Middle East historian Dr. Djene Bajalan explains who the Kurds are.

US Senate Run Could Become a 'Path' to Pompeo Presidency - Pundit
Sputnik International
11/21/2019
Historian Dr. Djene Bajalan comments on how impeachment hearings will affect Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Actually, President Trump, some Kurds did fight in World War II
The Washington Post
10/10/2019
Middle East historian Dr. Djene Bajalan comments on President Trump's statement about the Kurds.

Ozarks Tonight: Local professors on withdrawing troops from Syria (Part 1)
KOLR10
10/10/2019
Middle East historian Dr. Djene Bajalan addresses President Trump's decision to withdraw troops from Syria.

Two MSU Experts on the Kurds Explain Turkey's Invasion of Syria
KSMU Radio
10/10/2019
Middle East historian Dr. Djene Bajalan explains why Turkey is attacking Kurdish groups in Syria.

Ozarks Tonight: Local professors on withdrawing troops from Syria (Part 2)
KOLR10
10/11/2019
Middle East historian Dr. Djene Bajalan addresses President Trump's decision to withdraw troops from Syria.

After attacks by Turkey, Trump falsely claims Kurds in Syria are much safer now
PolitiFact
10/16/2019
Middle East historian Dr. Djene Bajalan explains why the Kurds in Syria aren't safer without the U.S.

Trump's plan to keep some forces in Syria is evidence of US' inconsistent Mideast policy - analysts
Asia Pacific Daily
10/23/2019
Middle East historian Dr. Djene Bajalan comments on President Trump's plan to keep a small contingent in eastern Syria.

From the Middle East to the Midwest: An Interview With Dr. Djene Rhys Bajalan
Midwest Socialist
04/08/2019
Middle East historian Dr. Djene Bajalan discuss the broader struggle for Kurdish rights and autonomy in the Middle East.