Postcolonial Reading of Representing Kurds in Orientalism Discourse A Case Study of Claudius James Rich’s Travelogue

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Abstract
The present study critiques how the Kurds are represented and illustrated in Claudius James Rich's travelogue entitled Narrative of a Residence in Koordistan and on the Site of and Nineveh, written in the first half of the nineteenth century, and the author’s attitude towards encountering Kurdish communities. This research, using the methodology and theoretical framework of the post colonialist approach, especially Homi K. Bhabha’s views, considers the often negative factors, motives and aspects, such as turning the events as well as subject-oriented and centrist views of the western author. The many examples and quotations referenced in this article include those frequent concepts and techniques of Orientalism discourse such as generalism, otherness, stereotyping, negation, and disregard for cultural differences as well as the moral superiority of the Western subject are reflected in this travelogue.

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Volume 11, Issue 39
Winter 2019
Pages 55-74

  • Receive Date 25 August 2024
  • Publish Date 21 March 2019