Zaza People - Zaza Nationalism

Zaza Nationalism

In recent years, in which the question about political and human rights for Kurds in Turkey came more to spotlight, a new nationalistic movement was formed by a small group of people in the diaspora. This group pretends a non-Kurdish identity of Zazaki speakers based on some linguistic differences which do not only exist between Kurmanji and Zazaki speakers but also between Kurmanji and Soranî speakers. Some Kurds and international foundations suggest a link between the Sunni founder of Zaza nationalism, Ebubekir Pamukcu (d.1993), and the Turkish intelligence services, accusing Pamukcu of helping split the Kurdish nation. The Zaza nationalistic movement was welcomed and financially supported by certain circles in Turkey’s intelligence establishment and Pamukcu has since been accused of having ties to Turkish intelligence. A Zaza publisher in Ankara is believed by some Kurds to be controlled by the Turkish intelligence services. In an interview with Kurdmedia, Kurdish nationalist and Zazaki linguist Mehmet Malmisanij said the name of this “Zazaistan” publisher was the “Zaza Culture and Publication House” and was part of the Turkish intelligence services with the task of attacking the Kurdish nationalist movement. “The conclusion that I draw… is that these were groups based in the state, or with a more favorable expression, groups that thought in parallel with the state”.

These accusations on Kurdish side seem to be not unfounded. In a trial against the nationalistic Turkish underground organization of Ergenekon some of the most active Zaza nationalists were caught as members. One of them is Hayri Başbuğ, who was active under various nicknames on the Global Net promoting Zaza nationalism and anti-Kurdism, according to some sources. He also had close ties with Ebubekir Pamukçu, the founder of Zaza nationalism.