Biography

I began my academic journey in history in 2008, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Public History in 2012 with exceptional marks, graduating as the top-ranked student in the History Department. This early achievement underscored my dedication to the field and set the foundation for my subsequent academic and professional pursuits. In December 2012, I commenced my career as an Assistant Researcher, where I honed my skills in historical analysis and research methodologies. Building on this experience, I enrolled in a Master’s program in Modern and Contemporary History in 2014, which I completed in 2016 with an excellent grade. My Master’s thesis, titled “Parliamentary Life in Iran (1906–1925),” explored the political and institutional transformations during a formative period in Iranian history, showcasing my ability to engage with complex historical narratives.

Following the completion of my Master’s degree, I served as a Library Officer for the History Department until 2018. In this role, I deepened my engagement with historical archives and resources, further enriching my academic expertise. Subsequently, I transitioned to an academic position as an Assistant Lecturer, teaching courses on the History of Iran, Turkey, and Kurdistan in the 18th century. During this time, I also contributed to the academic administration as a History Decision-Maker (2018–2020), where I played a key role in curriculum development and academic planning.

I recently completed my Ph.D. in History with distinction, defending my dissertation titled “Iranian Political Parties and Organizations (1941–1953).” This work examines a critical period in Iran’s political history, analyzing the formation, ideologies, and activities of political parties during a time of significant socio-political upheaval. My doctoral research reflects my commitment to advancing scholarly understanding of Middle Eastern history through rigorous analysis and interdisciplinary approaches.

Through my academic and professional endeavors, I strive to contribute meaningfully to the field of history, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex socio-political dynamics that have shaped the Middle East. My work is driven by a passion for teaching, research, and the dissemination of knowledge, with the ultimate aim of inspiring future generations of historians and scholars.

Research Interest

My Research in Middle Eastern History: Kurdish and Iranian Studies

My academic passion lies in the study of Middle Eastern history, with a specialized focus on Kurdish and Iranian societies. Through years of research, I have explored the complex historical, political, and cultural dynamics that have shaped these regions, particularly examining Kurdish identity, state-minority relations, and cross-border influences between Iran and its neighboring Kurdish populations.

My work centers on several key themes:

  1. Kurdish Historical Narratives – I investigate how Kurdish identity has been constructed, preserved, and contested within Iranian and Ottoman historical frameworks. My research challenges state-centric historiographies by emphasizing Kurdish oral traditions, archival documents, and literary sources.
  2. Iranian-Kurdish Relations – I analyze the political and cultural interactions between Iran and Kurdish regions, from the Safavid era to modern nation-state policies. My studies highlight resistance movements, tribal diplomacy, and the impact of Persian nationalism on Kurdish autonomy.
  3. Comparative Colonial & Postcolonial Legacies – I examine how European imperialism and later Middle Eastern state-building affected Kurdish communities, comparing Iran’s policies with those of Iraq, Turkey, and Syria.

My publications include journal articles on Kurdish tribal revolts in 19th-century Iran, the role of Kurdish women in nationalist movements, and the evolution of Kurdish media under the Islamic Republic. I have also contributed to edited volumes on minority histories in the Middle East.

Currently, I am expanding my research into digital archiving of Kurdish oral histories, ensuring marginalized voices are preserved amid geopolitical upheavals. My goal is to bridge academic scholarship with public history, making Kurdish and Iranian studies more accessible to global audiences.

This field is not just an academic pursuit but a commitment to documenting histories that have often been suppressed or overlooked. I continue to seek new methodologies—combining archival research, ethnography, and digital humanities—to deepen our understanding of these vital regions.

Publications

My research contributions have been published in national and international journals, reflecting my expertise in Middle Eastern history. Notably, my article 

* “Facts You Do Not Know About the Kurds in Iraq” was featured in the American magazine Raise Your Voice (available at: https://www.irfaasawtak.com/a/394601.html). Additionally, I have authored several scholarly articles, including:

 

  • The Political Parties and Organizations in Iran During the Years (1905 –1941). https://journal.lfu.edu.krd/ojs/index.php/qzj/article/view/1327/1511
  • Sheikh Ali Khan Zangana and his role in the development of Iran (1669 - 1689) http://www.hewalname.com/ku/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/%D9%A4%D9%A5.pdf
  • Iranian Parties and the Northern Iran Oil Problem, Between Iran and Soviet Union (1941 –1946). https://zancojournal.su.edu.krd/index.php/JAHS/article/view/974/506
  • Women’s Left-Wing Activity in IraKurdsn (1941–1953) https://sites.google.com/view/lwwaoc/conference-program
  • The Kurdish Society from the perspective of the French officer Gaspard Drouville, during the years (1812 - 1813). 
  • The Military Role of the YarMohammed Khan Kermanshahi in the Internal Developments in Iran during the Years (1908 – 1912). https://zancojournal.su.edu.krd/index.php/JAHS/article/view/19
  • National Conflict for Power at the Safavid Court (1501 – 1722).
  • German Intelligence Service Activities in Iran during the First World War (1914 – 1918), according to Persian sources.
  • A Study about the life and academic efforts of the German Orientalist Oscar Mann, on the Kurds in the East of Kurdistan (1901 – 1903, 1907)
  • “Kurds and Kurdistan in the Travelogue of Pietro Della Valle,”
  • “Iran During the Afghan Tribal Invasion (1722–1729).”

These publications demonstrate my interdisciplinary approach to historical research and my dedication to exploring understudied aspects of Middle Eastern history.

Teachingdisseminating

Teaching & Dissemination: A Multilingual Approach to Academia

Teaching has always been at the heart of my academic aspirations, and I am deeply committed to realizing my goal of becoming a Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq Lecturer. Beyond research, I see education as a vital means of preserving and interpreting history, particularly for marginalized narratives like those of Kurdish and Iranian societies. My approach to teaching emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary perspectives, and the use of primary sources to challenge dominant historical frameworks.

My fluency in four languages—Kurdish, English, Persian, and Arabic—uniquely positions me to bridge academic and public discourses. This multilingual ability allows me to:

  • Teach from diverse sources, incorporating Kurdish oral histories, Persian chronicles, and Arabic archival documents into my courses.
  • Engage with global scholarship, translating and adapting research for both regional and international audiences.
  • Supervise students working across linguistic and cultural boundaries, particularly in Middle Eastern studies.

In my previous roles as a teaching assistant and guest lecturer, I designed courses on modern Middle Eastern history with an emphasis on identity, nationalism, and cross-border interactions. I employ interactive methods—such as document workshops, role-playing debates, and digital storytelling—to make complex historical themes accessible.

Dissemination is equally central to my mission. I have:

  • Organized public seminars linking Kurdish history to contemporary issues, hosted at universities and cultural centers.
  • Contributed to open-access Kurdish and Persian translations of key historical texts.
  • Developed podcasts and op-eds to bring academic research to broader audiences.

As a Lecturer, I aim to foster a classroom environment where students critically engage with the past while understanding its present implications, especially in conflict-affected regions like Kurdistan and Iran. My ultimate goal is to empower future scholars to reclaim underrepresented histories through rigorous yet inclusive pedagogy.