Zaza people

Zaza people. The Zaza are an Iranian ethnic group primarily inhabiting the eastern provinces of Turkey. They speak the Zaza language, which belongs to the Northwestern Iranian branch. Their society is traditionally organized along tribal lines, and their religious composition is divided between Alevism and Sunni Islam.

Etymology and identity

The endonym for the people is "Zaza" or "Dimlī," with the latter term also used in some historical and linguistic contexts. The origins of the name "Zaza" are debated among scholars, with some theories linking it to ancient regional designations. Their identity is closely tied to their distinct Zaza language, which differentiates them from neighboring groups like the Kurds and speakers of Kurmanji. Throughout history, they have been variously categorized, often grouped under broader regional or administrative terms within the Ottoman Empire. In contemporary discourse, a strong cultural and linguistic revival movement emphasizes their unique heritage within the diverse tapestry of Turkey.

History

The historical trajectory of the Zaza people is deeply intertwined with the history of the Anatolian and Armenian Highlands. While their precise early history is unclear, they are considered descendants of ancient Iranian peoples who migrated into the region. During the medieval period, their territories fell under the control of various empires and principalities, including the Byzantine Empire and later the Seljuk Empire. The area was fully incorporated into the Ottoman Empire following the Battle of Chaldiran in 1514. The 19th and 20th centuries brought significant upheaval, including the mass violence of the Armenian genocide, which affected the demographic landscape of their regions. The establishment of the modern Republic of Turkey under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk led to policies of centralization and Turkification, impacting all minority languages and cultures. In recent decades, political movements, including the conflict involving the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), have shaped their contemporary political experience.

Language

The Zaza language (Zazaki) is a vital marker of Zaza identity and is classified within the Northwestern Iranian branch of the Indo-European languages. It exhibits significant dialectal variation, primarily split into Northern, Central, and Southern dialects. For centuries, it was primarily a spoken language, with a rich tradition of oral literature including lawik (folk songs) and çîrok (folktales). The language faced severe repression under the Turkish Language Association policies, which banned its public use. A major revival began in the 1980s, spearheaded by linguists and writers like Mehmed Uzun and Esmailê Şamil, leading to the development of a Latin-based alphabet. Today, publications like the magazine Vate and broadcasts on Medya TV promote its use, though it lacks official status in Turkey.

Culture and society

Zaza culture is a syncretic blend of ancient Iranian traditions, Anatolian influences, and Islamic practices. Society was historically organized around tribes (eşîr) and clans, led by a mîr or ağa. A significant literary tradition exists, with modern poets like Ahmed Arif drawing from its motifs, though he wrote in Turkish. Music and dance are central to cultural expression, with instruments like the bağlama (saz) and the davul (drum) featuring prominently in ceremonies. Important festivals include Newroz, celebrated as the spring new year, and religious commemorations like Muharram for Alevi communities. The dîwan (guest house) remains an important social institution for community gatherings and conflict resolution.

Demographics and distribution

The Zaza population is concentrated primarily in eastern Turkey, with significant communities in provinces such as Tunceli (Dersim), Bingöl, Elazığ, and Diyarbakır. The city of Diyarbakır has a major urban Zaza population. Due to labor migration and political conflict, particularly since the 1980s, a substantial diaspora has formed in major Turkish cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir, as well as across Europe. Countries with notable Zaza diaspora communities include Germany, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland. Accurate population figures are difficult to ascertain due to assimilation and the lack of official ethnic statistics in Turkey, with estimates ranging widely.

Religion

Religion is a major defining and sometimes dividing feature among the Zaza people. The community is split between adherents of Alevism and Sunni Islam of the Shafi‘i school. The Alevi Zaza, concentrated historically in the Dersim region, follow a heterodox interpretation that incorporates elements of Shia Islam, Sufism, and pre-Islamic beliefs, with distinct rituals and a veneration of figures like Ali and Haji Bektash Veli. Sunni Zaza generally follow the Shafi‘i school, one of the four schools of Islamic jurisprudence. This religious divergence has historically influenced social relations, political alignments, and cultural practices, including the celebration of festivals like Ashura. Both groups have faced periods of tension and persecution, notably during events like the Dersim rebellion in 1937-38.