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The Role of the Individual Ruler in the Construction and Development of Kurdish National Identity: Sultan Saladin Ayyubi as a Case Study | ||
| Kirkuk University Journal: Humanity Studies | ||
| Volume 21, Issue 1, March 2026, Pages 161-206 PDF (971.86 K) | ||
| Document Type: Research Paper | ||
| DOI: 10.32894/1992-1179.2026.168223.1327 | ||
| Author | ||
| Kamaran Ali Fathullah* | ||
| Department of History, College of Arts, Salahaddin University–Erbil | ||
| Abstract | ||
| This research is a historical investigation that explores a vital topic: the role of the individuals as rulers and leaders in shaping and developing national identity. In the fields of historical science and the philosophy of history, rulers and leaders—often regarded as heroes and central figures—have played decisive roles in shaping historical events and influencing the dimensions of their nations. Their influence has had a profound social impact, to the extent that it has become a defining element of the nation's identity. Despite the fact that Sultan Saladin is regarded as the father of an important national identity, he was also able to shape history during the period of the Crusades. Furthermore, as a significant symbol of Kurdish identity, he contributed to strengthening the existence and position of the Kurds in the context of Islamic and world history. His impact was such that the name, history, fame, and discussion of the Kurds as a nation became much more frequent in historical writings after his emergence, compared to before the emergence of this prominent Kurdish figure. The researcher uses a historical-analytical approach to explore the different dimensions of identity formation by Sultan Saladin for the Kurdish people as an important historical legacy, and examines how this legacy can be applied to support the present and future of the Kurdish nation. The research is organized into a preface, an introduction, two main chapters, conclusions, and a bibliography. The introduction outlines the concept of identity and national identity and provides a concise biography of Sultan Saladin. The first chapter explores Sultan Saladin’s role in shaping and advancing Kurdish national identity by examining his qualities as both a humanitarian and a ruler/leader, presented in two subsections. The second chapter, divided into two subsections, analyses his contribution to Kurdish national identity as a shaper of historical events and as a historical figure who enhanced the Kurdish presence and significance within Islamic and global historical discourse. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Sultan Saladin; National Identity; Individual Role; Kurdish History | ||
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