Iranian Journal of Sociology

Abstract This study examines the Kurds’ collective memory in Boukan. The concept of collective memory is a new realm of sociological investigation, especially among studies of Iran’s social groups. The most important historical points in collective memory of Kurds and the way they regarded them as important, is the main problem of this study. We asked three most important events of Iran s’ history from 9 decades ago. Theoretical framework of study is Maurice Halbwachs’ theory of collective memory. The respondents’ attitudes toward their identities in four aspects are independents variables. Using survey method and upon cluster sampling, the questionnaire has been responded by 342 people. According to the respondents; The Islamic Revolution of 1979, the Mahabad State of 1945, the Oil Nationalization, the Imposed War and Iran’s presidential election of 2009, are the prominent events. Kruskal Wallis test shows significant difference relationships between age and attitude toward religious identity with first important events; the age and education with second important events; the education and attitude toward national identity for the third important events. The main reasons mentioned by respondents to justify importance of Islamic Revolution is religious one, building a state for Mahabad State of 1945, the trauma and damage for war, preserving national benefits for Oil Nationalization Movement and protest for the Iran’s presidential election.

Abstract This study examines the Kurds’ collective memory in Boukan. The concept of collective memory is a new realm of sociological investigation, especially among studies of Iran’s social groups. The most important historical points in collective memory of Kurds and the way they regarded them as important, is the main problem of this study.  We asked three most important events of Iran s’ history from 9 decades ago. Theoretical framework of study is Maurice Halbwachs’ theory of collective memory. The respondents’ attitudes toward their identities in four aspects are independents variables. Using survey method and upon cluster sampling, the questionnaire has been responded by 342 people. According to the respondents; The Islamic Revolution of 1979, the Mahabad State of 1945, the Oil Nationalization, the Imposed War and Iran’s presidential election of 2009, are the prominent events. Kruskal Wallis test shows significant difference relationships between age and attitude toward religious identity with first important events; the age and education with second important events; the education and attitude toward national identity for the third important events. The main reasons mentioned by respondents to justify importance of Islamic Revolution is religious one, building a state for Mahabad State of 1945, the trauma and damage for war, preserving national benefits for Oil Nationalization Movement and protest for the Iran’s presidential election.