Barzaniler

Barzanis are a Kurdish sheikh family and tribe centered in the village (karye) of Barzan in Güney Kürdistan. In Osmanlı archive classifications, the family and tribe are listed as a distinct subject under the heading "Barzan karyesi and Barzaniler" (Volume 3, p. 107).

Its Place in Archive Classification

The Barzanis are one of the main subjects classified in the Political Section documents of the Osmanlı Ministry of Interior's General Security Directorate. In this four-volume catalog series covering the years 1845-1922, "Barzan karyesi and Barzaniler" is recorded as a separate file subject, alongside headings such as Hamidiye Alayları, Kürt-Ermeni-Nasturi relations, and "Bitlis hareketi and idam kararları" (Volume 3, p. 107).

Sheikh Abdüsselam Barzani

Sheikh Abdüsselam Barzani, one of the prominent figures of the family, is a Barzani leader specifically mentioned in Osmanlı archive records. Among the İrade Harbiye (İ. HB) documents, which are part of the İradeler (İ.) fund and consist of imperial decrees, there are documents concerning the command echelons of the Hamidiye Alayları, individuals serving in the regiments, the administrative structure and appointments of the regiments, as well as "Barzaniler and especially Sheikh Abdüsselam Barzani," the Hemavend tribe, and the execution of those struggling for an independent Ermenistan (Volume 3, p. 112).

Broader Archival Context

Documents related to the Barzanis are part of a broader archival context formed by the document series accumulated at Yıldız Sarayı during the reign of II. Abdülhamid and the funds containing the decisions of the Meclis-i Vükela (Council of Ministers); it can be said that the most important decisions in these funds concerned the Kurds (Volume 3, p. 111). Generally, the documents from this period reflect the Osmanlı administration's effort to monitor and direct its policy towards the Kurds and to establish numerous authorities over the social structure in Kürdistan (Volume 3, p. 115).