Aso Javaheri

History doctoral student in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

I am currently pursuing a PhD in History at Simon Fraser University. Prior to my studies at SFU, I earned both my MA and PhD in Sociology from Iran. Additionally, I am a professional soccer referee, a former futsal and soccer player, and an amateur mountaineer. While pursuing an additional PhD may seem daunting, the drive to satisfy one's curiosity and answer questions about the world and social phenomena can make it easier. So, I have decided to resume my studies in another field of interest: history. As a social researcher, I strongly believe that the question about the current era is not only a historical question, but also our method is history. Therefore, knowing about history is essential for any researcher. Due to my interest in political economy and my long-life experience in soccer, I decided to write my sociology PhD dissertation on the history of the political economy of soccer in Iran. My current project is on the Kurdish (Mukriyan) Peasant Revolt, which took place in the mid-twenties century in the east of Kurdistan (west of Iran) and is well-known as Rojhelat. Unfortunately, despite its importance as a class movement in the nationalist era and its deep impacts, only one study has been done about it, and it's somehow unknown. So, my project, like my other research and writing, is not just an academic pursuit but a personal journey rooted in my life experience as a Kurdish woman from a colonized geography.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

The History Department at SFU, with its critical environment, The Centre for Comparative Muslim Studies, and the chance to collaborate with expert professors, have provided me with an excellent academic opportunity to advance my project. Additionally, the Graduate Dean's Entrance Scholarship (GDES) and teaching assistantships have supported my financial needs for my studies. My supervisor, Dr. Thomas Kuehn, specializes in the Ottoman Empire and Middle Eastern history. I am thankful for the opportunity to access these resources.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

My research is sociological historiography about a pivotal moment in Kurds' and Iran's history. It's also an effort to rectify the nationalist and even Marxist historiography neglect, which has neglected this subalterns revolt and resistance.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Class, Movements, Kurdistan

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

My courses are about the late Ottoman Empire's history, which gives me a deep insight into the history of Kurdistan, the nation-state building as part of the capitalist order after the Ottoman Empire collapsed, and the political movements that took place in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The TA positions offer a valuable journey into the field of history for me as someone new to majoring in history. Additionally, holding a PhD in sociology and being a Kurdish intellectual, I possess good research and writing skills that have bolstered my academic pursuits. Besides these, as a professional athlete, I've learned to be hard-working and bear in challenging situations.

Contact Aso:aso_javaheri@sfu.ca