Situating the question of national identity : The Turkish case in a global context

Abstract

This thesis adresses the question of national identity in contemporary Turkey, with reference to the impact of globalization on national identity in general. It is suggested that globalization has a fragmenting effect on national identities and Turkey is also effected from this process. As a result of both the challenge of globalization and internal dynamics, Kemalism as the dominant code of definition of national identity in Turkey, faces a crisis. The thesis also adresses some recent developments in Turkey such as the strengthening of political Islam, the Kurdish movement, and the rise of Turkish nationalism within the framework of the above argument.