A Kurdish Islamist group in modern Turkey: Shifting identities

Said Nursi (1876-1960), by product of the Kurdish medrese system, is not only the author of the original and pious writings but also the originator of Nurcu movement in Turkey. As will be discussed, this religious movement has fragmented and the ethnic origin of Nursi has become controversial among the members of the movement. Med-Zehra is a split from the Nurcu movement and it emphasizes Nursi's Kurdish background. It openly criticizes Turkish nationalist interpretation of Nursi's writings. In other words, Med-Zehra is not only an important Nurcu group in Turkey but also an important representative of Kurdish Islamic movements. This article will analyze the Med-Zehra group's interpretation of Islam as it is reflected in their journal, Dava.5.