'BOZKÜRT: The Hidden Story of Ülkücü Kurds' Published

In parallel with the 'Turkey Without Terror' initiative—launched with the hope of ending the 41-year conflict in the country—researcher and author Ahmet Dinç has published Bozkürt: The Hidden Story of Ülkücü Kurds – Biji Turkey (Bozkürt: Ülkücü Kürtlerin Saklı Kalmış Hikyesi – Biji Türkiye). The work focuses on a segment of society that has largely remained unknown to the public: Kurdish and Zaza individuals who were actively involved in the Ülkücü Movement.

• A Timely Release Amid Efforts to End Separatist Terrorism
  

  Released at a critical juncture when efforts to end separatist terrorism are gaining momentum, Bozkürt: The Hidden Story of Ülkücü Kurds – Biji Turkey challenges conventional narratives. Authored by Ahmet Dinç, the book uncovers previously untold stories of Kurdish and Zaza individuals devoted to the Ülkücü Movement.

• Bozkürt youths formed a human wall around Türkeş. According to Bacalan—though not visible in the photograph—Türkeş delivered his speech at this rally from atop a tank.

  Opening the 'Deşifre X Kitaplar' Series

  
  Dinç's investigative work inaugurates Hayat Yayınları' 'Deşifre X Kitaplar' series, while the second title, Trojans / The U.S. Spy School in Ankara, authored by journalist Ahmet Köprülü, has also been published. Edited by journalist Kamuran Akkuş, the 328-page Bozkürt illuminates the unknown experiences of Kurdish and Zaza members of the Ülkücü Movement.

  Location: Diyarbakır Ülkü Ocakları, Year: 1975.
  From left to right: Ocak President A. İhsan Bacalan, MHP Central District President Abdüsselam Aşan, former Ocak President Ömer Naşit Lüle (preceding Bacalan), and Diyarbakır Ülkücü member İbrahim Demir.

• Bozkürts' Mission in the Post-PKK Era
  

  Bozkürt was released at a moment when the PKK was preparing for its dissolution congress and decisive steps were being taken to end separatist terrorism. Its foreword, penned on 27 February 2025—the day Öcalan publicly called for disarmament from İmralı—emphasizes the following:

'Now is the time for the Bozkürts to emerge from their withdrawn corners, to consciously act as a common ground in repairing disrupted relations, minds, and shared future visions. In the post-PKK era, the Bozkürts must return to the field as experts intimately familiar with both communities, repairing decades of damage and serving as a genuine adhesive for the unity and shared future of the two peoples.'

In front of the Bozkurtlar Teacher School, affiliated with the Ülkü Ocakları, which was actively operating in Diyarbakır, year 1975. Standing by the doorway is the provincial head, Ali İhsan Bacalan, wearing glasses.

• Focus on Kurdish and Zaza Cadres in the Ülkücü Movement
  

  The book centers on Kurdish and Zaza cadres shaped under the leadership of Alparslan Türkeş and subsequent figures such as Devlet Bahçeli and Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu. It presents detailed accounts of these individuals based on over 50 comprehensive interviews with Ülkücü members and in-depth archival research.

• Remzi Çayır (standing, second from right), also a Bozkurt, pictured in prison with İhsan Barutçu (seated, far left), who would later become the MHP Istanbul Provincial Chairman, after his release. Standing, from left to right: Osman Keskin, Mustafa Dülger, Davut Haykırış.

  Historical Photographs and Personal Accounts
  

  Featuring dozens of historically significant photographs, Bozkürt examines Kurds embracing Turkish nationalism from multiple perspectives. Covering pre- and post-1980 coup periods, it details the contributions, struggles, and experiences of Kurds within the Ülkücü Movement. Enriched with exclusive interviews and first-hand recollections, the book illuminates both collective and individual memory.

STRIKING HEADINGS AND QUESTIONS ADDRESSED IN THE BOOK

The book highlights several critical topics and poses questions that demand answers:

Who are the 'Bozkürts'? How did they emerge?

The Role of Kurds in the Ülkücü Movement: Why and how did Kurds participate in the movement led by Alparslan Türkeş, and what missions did they carry out within the MHP?

Motivations of Kurds and Zazas: Why did some Kurds and Zazas join the Ülkücü Movement, and how did they become Türkeş's most loyal followers?

Authorship Controversy: Was the book Memories of Abdülhamid actually written by Süleyman Nazif?

The Execution of Sheikh Abdüsselam: Which Bozkürt ordered Mesut Barzani's uncle executed, and why?

The Title 'Başbuğ': Following which event in Eastern Turkey did Türkeş start being called 'Başbuğ'?

Introducing Ülkücü Ideology to Diyarbakır: Who first brought Ülkücü thought to the city?

Poetry Inspired by Local Scenes: Which famous poet wrote a celebrated poem after observing a bridal procession crossing a bridge built by Deniz Gezmiş in Hakkri?

M. Şerif Fırat (second from right, back row) pictured with the Hormek Agha and other members of the Hormek tribe.

Türkeş's Confidant from Diyarbakır: Who was the Bozkürt serving as Türkeş's private secretary and confidant?

The 1975 Diyarbakır Rally: Why did Türkeş speak from atop a tank during this rally?

1974 Ülkücü Congress in Ankara: Which Diyarbakır-born Kurdish poet's work was recited, and how did Türkeş react?

Media for Kurds and Alevis: What was the name of the newspaper Türkeş published for Kurdish and Alevi communities, who wrote for it, and who forced its closure?

Military Demonstrations: Why did Türkeş have elderly Kurdish villagers carried four times across the Zap River on soldiers' backs?

Shifts in Influence: How did the Ülkücü Movement's impact on Kurds evolve over time?

Relatives Joining Armed Groups: The Bozkürts who joined BBP and took to the mountains.

Anti-PKK Stance: How did the Bozkürts' opposition to the PKK shape societal structures?

M. Fahrettin Kırzıoğlu later published as a book the thesis of the 'Turkishness of the Kurds,' which he initially defended through lectures.

Casualties in Political Conflicts: A list of Bozkürts who died in left-right clashes.

The Evolution of the 'Bozkürt' Concept: What societal changes after the 1990s does this term illuminate, and how did it evolve?

Guidance for Kurdish Youth: How can Bozkürts serve as a model in the post-PKK era?

Redefining Roles: As terrorist influence diminishes, how will the mission and role of the Bozkürts be reshaped?

Mehmet Dadak, BBP Diyarbakır Provincial Chairman (far left), pictured in 2004 at the Diyarbakır Gazi Mansion with Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu.

Buy it now on Amazon.com.

Buy it now on Kitapyurdu.com