The Tale of a Brave Man Prince Izz al-Din Shir al-Bakhti and the Kurdish Uprising During the Crimean War 1853–1856

Description

Prince Izz al-Din Shir al-Bakhti and the Kurdish Uprising During the Crimean War (1853–1856).
By researcher Muhammad Salim Badirkhan al-Bakhti. This book fills a significant gap in the history of the last major Kurdish principality: the Principality of Botan. It highlights the pivotal role played by the final Prince of Botan, Izz al-Din Shir IV, in the early stages of the Kurdish liberation movement—specifically in connection with the Kurdish uprising that took place during the Crimean War, a conflict pitting Russia against the Ottoman Empire and its allies, Britain and France. The book is a rigorous academic study, substantiated by important primary documents as well as relevant English and Ottoman sources. The author skillfully blends narrative storytelling with historical documentation. The book is organized into nine chapters: Chapter One covers the family, the tribe, and the principality. Chapter Two examines the rulers of Cizre and Botan from the Azizan (Azizan) dynasty. Chapter Three discusses Prince Sayf al-Din al-Bakhti, Badirkhan Bey, and Izz al-Din Shir Bey, as well as the end of the Bakhti principality. Chapter Four details the events following the departure of Badirkhan Bey (1847–1854). Chapter Five focuses on the outbreak of the Kurdish uprising during the Crimean War, led by Prince Izz al-Din Shir al-Botanî. Chapter Six covers the spread of the uprising and the liberation of Botan and the territories of Kurdistan between Hakkari and Diyarbakir. Chapter Seven addresses the Battle of Derun and the subsequent British-French intervention, overseen by General Williams. Chapter Eight: Deportation, the trial, and years of exile. Chapter Nine: Prince Izz al-Din Shir in Kurdish folklore. Appendix 1: A translation of the inscription on the stone at Bentrash (Bakhtan). Appendix 2: A list of the Bakhti Kurdish rulers (658–1271 AH / 1260–1855 AD). Ultimately, the book restores balance to the historiography of a critical period in the political life of Kurdish societies, while also correcting misconceptions regarding the role of Prince Izz al-Din Shir Beg during that era. We intend to provide a more in-depth review and analysis of this book, which will soon be available in bookstores.