It is commonly believed that during the interwar period, Kemalist secularism successfully eliminated religion from the public sphere in Turkey, leaving Turkish national identity devoid of religious content. However, through its examination of the impact of the Ottoman millet system on Turkish and Balkan nationalisms, this book presents a different view point. Cagaptay demonstrates that the legacy of the Ottomon millet system which divided the Ottoman population into religious compartments called millets, shaped Turkey's understanding of nationalism in the interwar period. Providing a compelling examination of why and how religion shapes national identity in Turkey and the Balkans the book covers topics including:

* Turkish nationalism
* the Ottoman legacy
* Kemalist citizenship policies and immigration
* Kurds, Muslims and Jews and the ethno-religious limits of Turkishness.

Incorporating documents from untapped Turkish archives, this book is essential reading for scholars and students with research interests in Turkey, Turkish nationalism and Middle East history.

About the Author

Soner Cagaptay is senior fellow and director of the Turkish Research Program at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, a Washington-based think tank. His research interests include U.S.-Turkish relations and modern Turkish history.

Reviews

'There is no question that Cagaptay - a highly intelligent, serious, soul-searching, and inquisitive scholar - has put his finger on several crucial issues in Turkish political and cultural life.' - Kemal H. Karpat, International Journal of Middle East Studies, Vol. 39 No. 2, May 2007

'...it stands apart from some of the previous works on the subject by its in-depth and judicious analysis based on a careful reading of the available archival evidence' - Sabri Sayari, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Middle East Studies Association Bulletin, Winter 2007

Book Information
ISBN 9780415567763
Author Soner Cagaptay
Format Paperback
Page Count 264
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 530g