History Ph.D student Zeynep Kutluata's conference participation

History Ph.D. student Zeynep Kutluata presented her paper titled “Remembering Woman Warriors in Turkey: The Case of Black Fatma(s)” at the German Congress for Oriental Studies which was held in Marburg, Germany on September 20-24, 2010.

Abstract: 

Remembering Woman Warriors in Turkey: The Case of Black Fatma(s)

In the popular culture of Turkey, Black Fatma(s) are known to be the legendary woman warriors of the War of Independence. One of the popular characters among the woman warriors of the War of Independence is Kara Fatma (Seher), who is told to be fought in İzmit leading a small troop. In the national commemorations Fatma Seher is referred as one of the leading figures who represents the power of Turkish of women, particularly during wars. However, it is not only within the Turkish nationalist discourse that Black Fatma(s) are remembered. In Turkey, these legendary warrior women are also remembered by different ideological discourses. This presentation will focus on the process of remembering Black Fatma(s): How are these heroines remembered? When and by whom are they remembered? Focusing on the process of remembering Black Fatma(s) would underline a rich field for understanding the current policies of different political positions on gender issues.