An Anatomy of Nationhood and the Question of Assimilation: Debates on Turkishness Revisited

Abstract

Scholars have primarily debated the anatomy of Turkishness within the framework of an ethnic versus civic dichotomy. Arguing that such an approach would be inconclusive and less explanatory, this article approaches Turkishness from a singularity/plurality framework. First, the article emphasizes the singular nature of Turkishness – defined as monolithic nationhood – in the early Republican years that rejected any alternative identity approaches other than the definition of the state elites. Second, the article argues that the homogenization of the nation by the new state targeted those who considered themselves Turks as well, especially those who did not fit the ‘ideal’ or ‘imagined’ Turk (i.e. Muslim but secular, urban, and Western). The final section analyses the persistence and change in the monolithic nationhood in Turkey throughout the twentieth century and considers the implications of the state's recent identity policies on the meaning of Turkishness.

The use of cultural repertoires of everyday nationhood and citizenship in national identity boundary‐drawing: The case of Syrian refugees in Turkey

“…Unsurprisingly, the country's ethnic and cultural diversity was therefore intentionally neglected in constructing a Turkish national identity—with the one exception of the religious minorities whose rights were recognised in the Treaty of Lausanne of 1923 . Accordingly, Article 88 of the 1924 Constitution stipulated that ‘the people of Turkey regardless of their religion and race were, in terms of citizenship , to be called Turkish’ (Al, 2015, p. 91). Turkish citizenship was thus constructed as revolving around a monolithic, unique culture and singular identity, with the according sense of belonging resulting from the loyalty to the state (see İçduygu et al., 1999).…”

TURKEY: The Kurdish Issue. Limits of Security Methods

“…The last round of the armed con lict between Turkish security forces and the PKK has been continuing since July 2015. 3 It has cost at least 2,748 lives so far (International Crisis Group [ICG], 2017). 4 In addition, around 100,000 Kurds lost their homes, while up to 500,000 were temporarily displaced when the State imposed curfews in order to remove the barricades and trenches set up by PKK militants in the central areas of several Kurdish-populated towns and provinces (ICG, 2016(ICG, , 2017.…”

Consociationalism under examination: Is consociationalism the optimal multiculturalist approach for Turkey?

“… 10 10 For a detailed analysis of such assimilationist policies, see Al (2015); Dogan (2012); Gourlay (2018); Ince (2012); O'Driscoll (2014); Xypolia (2016); Yanarocak (2016); Yegen (2011). …”