Turkish Identity

Table of Contents

1.Introduction

1.1.Construction of the Work

1.2.Literature Review and Methodology

2.Europeanness

2.1.Definition of Europe and Europeanness

2.2.European Identity in Connection with European Culture and Its Problem Fields

2.3.Inclusion, Exclusion and and Multiple Identities

3.Europeanness of Turkey

3.1.Turkey as (not) a geographical part of Europe

3.2.Turkey as (not) a historical and cultural part of Europe

3.3.Westernisation/Europeanisation Process in Turkey

3.3.1.From the Era of the Ottoman Empire to the Foundation of the Turkish Republic

3.3.1.1.Reforms under the Rule of Sultan Selim III – Nizam-i Jedid (1789-1907)

3.3.1.2.Reforms under the Rule of Sultan Mahmut II (1785-1839)

3.3.1.3.Reforms in the Era of Tanzimat (1839-1871)

3.3.1.3.1.Military Reforms

3.3.1.3.2.Reforms in the Central Bureaucracy

3.3.1.3.3.Reforms the Judicial Affairs and Secular Laws

3.3.1.3.4.Secular Education in the Era of Tanzimat

3.3.1.3.5.Cultural Changes in the Era of Tanzimat

3.3.1.4.Young Turks Era: Transition from Ottoman- to Turkish Nationalism (1908-1918)

3.3.1.5. Reforms in the Turkish Republic under the Rule of Atatürk (1922-1938)

3.3.1.6.Reforms after the Helsinki Phase (1999-2009)

4.Turkey Between Orient and Occident

5.Political Culture in Turkey from Atatürk to Erdoan

6.Intercultural Dialogue Between Turkey and Europe and the European Cultural Programmes which Turkey takes part in

7.Conclusion

Research Objectives and Themes

The primary aim of this master’s thesis is to critically examine the historical background and current context of Turkey’s cultural identity in relation to the debate on its potential European integration. The research question addresses whether Turkey, given its unique historical path and cultural characteristics, aligns with the concept of "Europeanness" and whether its integration could serve as an opportunity for the European Union.

• Examination of the theoretical definitions of "Europe" and "Europeanness."
• Analysis of the historical and modern "Europeanisation" process within Turkey, spanning from the Ottoman reforms to the present day.
• Evaluation of Turkey’s position "between Orient and Occident" and its political culture.
• Investigation into the role of intercultural dialogue and existing EU cultural cooperation programmes.

Extract from the Thesis

Summary of Chapters

1.Introduction: This chapter defines the research scope, introduces the concept of Europeanness, and outlines the methodological approach used to analyze Turkey's identity.

2.Europeanness: This section explores how "Europe" and "Europeanness" are defined, contrasting substantialist and constructivist approaches while discussing European identity within the context of culture.

3.Europeanness of Turkey: This comprehensive chapter examines Turkey's geographical and historical ties to Europe, detailing its long process of Westernisation and Europeanisation, including reforms from the Ottoman era to the modern Republic.

4.Turkey Between Orient and Occident: This chapter analyzes Turkey’s unique position, bridging Eastern and Western civilisations, and challenges the binary antagonism often associated with these terms.

5.Political Culture in Turkey from Atatürk to Erdoan: This chapter surveys the development of Turkish political culture, the role of Kemalism, and the secular state, tracing the shift toward democracy.

6.Intercultural Dialogue Between Turkey and Europe and the European Cultural Programmes which Turkey takes part in: This chapter evaluates the role of intercultural dialogue in the accession process and reviews Turkey's participation in various EU cultural frameworks.

7.Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the main findings, asserting that Turkey's identity is an opportunity for a diverse Europe and emphasizing the need for a real partnership.

Keywords

Turkey, European Union, Europeanness, Identity, Westernisation, Europeanisation, Tanzimat, Kemalism, Intercultural Dialogue, Orient, Occident, Political Culture, Accession Negotiations, Constructivism, Modernisation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this thesis?

The work examines whether Turkey can be considered a European country, exploring the historical, cultural, and political dynamics of its identity and its potential for full membership in the European Union.

What are the primary themes discussed?

Key themes include the construction of European identity, the historical Europeanisation process in Turkey, the dichotomy between the Orient and the Occident, and the role of political culture and Islam in modern Turkey.

What is the main research objective?

The goal is to provide a detailed analysis of Turkey's cultural identity to determine if it should be perceived as an asset or opportunity for the European Union, rather than a threat.

What scientific methodology is employed?

The research relies on an interdisciplinary approach, utilizing academic literature and political, historical analysis to reflect on Turkey’s integration path and its synthesis of East and West.

What topics are covered in the main section?

The main sections cover the definition of Europeanness, the historical reforms from the Ottoman Empire through the Tanzimat era to modern Turkey, and the political evolution from Atatürk to the present.

Which keywords best characterize this research?

The research is best characterized by terms such as Europeanisation, Turkish identity, Westernisation, Kemalism, and intercultural dialogue.

How does the author view the 'Orient vs. Occident' divide regarding Turkey?

The author argues that the conflict between these "worlds" is not rooted in religious differences, but rather in political and economic circumstances, and that Turkey serves as a unique synthesis of both.

How is the role of the Turkish military assessed in the context of Kemalism?

The author explains that the military has acted as a self-appointed guardian of Kemalist principles, intervening in politics to protect the state, which has historically complicated Turkey’s democratic image in the West.