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20-02-2007

Prison Writings: The Roots of Civilisation by Abdullah Ocalan


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A meeting to launch a major new book of historical writings by Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan, based on work produced in difficult circumstances during his detention on Imrali island since 1999. In this work, which has been professionally translated for the first time and is published under the Pluto Press imprint, Ocalan looks at the historical origins of the deep-seated divisions and conflicts that are today bringing the world to the brink of disaster and specifically at the crisis in the Middle East, which Ocalan locates as the roots of civilization.

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'...Ocalan has penned a monumental history of the ancient Near East that offers a grand vision. ... This is the first truly postcolonial history of Mesopotamia.'
Randall H. McGuire, Professor of Anthropology, Binghamton University


Translated by Klaus Happel, Published by Pluto Press

Tuesday, 20 February, 6.30-8.30pm
at NUJ, Headland House, 308-312 Gray's Inn Road, London EC1X 8DP
(near Kings Cross station)

Chaired by Elfyn Llwyd MP

Speakers: Lord Rea, Ibrahim Bilmez, Kurdish lawyer, Turkey; Roger van Zwanenberg Editor Pluto Press; Reimar Heider International Initiative - Freedom for Ocalan, Germany; Alex Fitch Peace in Kurdistan Campaign, Desmond Fernandes CAMPACC and Author of "The Kurdish Genocide in Turkey" (Apec, in press)

A meeting to launch a major new book of historical writings by Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan, based on work produced in difficult circumstances during his detention on Imrali island since 1999. In this work, which has been professionally translated for the first time and is published under the Pluto Press imprint, Ocalan looks at the historical origins of the deep-seated divisions and conflicts that are today bringing the world to the brink of disaster and specifically at the crisis in the Middle East, which Ocalan locates as the roots of civilization.

A meeting to launch a major new book of historical writings by Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan, based on work produced in difficult circumstances during his detention on Imrali island since 1999. In this work, which has been professionally translated for the first time and is published under the Pluto Press imprint, Ocalan looks at the historical origins of the deep-seated divisions and conflicts that are today bringing the world to the brink of disaster and specifically at the crisis in the Middle East, which Ocalan locates as the roots of civilization.

Ambitious in scope, the book, according to the publishers, "provides a broad Marxist perspective on ancient Middle Eastern history", incorporating the rise of the major religions (Islam, Christianity and Judaism), while situating the Kurdish position within this context, from the ancient Sumerian civilization through the feudal age, the birth of capitalism and beyond.

The writings provide many fruitful ideas for discussion not only among academic historians, but among everyone concerned with international relations, conflict resolution and the future of the Middle East. The meeting, which for obvious reasons cannot be attended by the author, will begin the debate by addressing some of the issues raised within the pages of this important new book.

'Very readable. It is a tour-de-force.'
Ghada Talhami, D.K. Pearsons Professor of Politics, Lake Forest College, Illinois

Organised by Peace in Kurdistan Campaign, CAMPACC and Kurdish Federation UK

To order the book contact Pluto Press: www.plutobooks.com