Depicting the enemy : Russians and Ottomans in the press during the First World War
Author
Zardykhan, Zharmukhamed
Advisor
Özel, Oktay
Date
2007Publisher
Bilkent University
Language
English
Type
ThesisItem Usage Stats
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Abstract
The intricate course of events that led both the Russian and Ottoman Empires
towards the Great War had been the culmination of long-lasting domestic and
international developments, which were reflected in their policies towards the other
side. However, despite the ardent hatred and evident enmity that prevailed over the
Russo-Ottoman relations for centuries, both of these empires were faced with similar
problems of political, socioeconomic and national character that distinguished them
from the rest of Europe and Asia.
Whether out of hopelessness, inevitability, greater expectations or simply as a
precious opportunity to rehabilitate their former reputation, seriously damaged after
iv
the humiliating Russo-Japanese and Balkan wars, the levying of war against their
historical enemies deeply affected each countries' entire population. The effect was
particularly strong because of the advanced and elaborate total war propaganda
techniques employed primarily by the press, while the religious, nationalistic and
historical aspects of the confrontation made the propaganda warfare a diverse and
complicated battlefield.
The main objective of this work is the presentation, comparison and analysis of a
great variety of controversial pieces of information related to the Russo-Ottoman
confrontation prior to and during the First World War. This information reveals
personal prejudice, ethnic, religious and political affiliation of the authors, as well as
deliberate attempts to spread misinformation and propaganda.
Keywords
Russo-Ottoman relationsFirst World War
Pan-Slavism
Pan-Islamism
Pan-Turkism
Eastern Anatolia
Muslims of Russia
Central Asia