Islam, Secularism and Nationalism in Modern Turkey (Routledge Studies in Middle Eastern History) Book

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. Catagaptay demonstrates that the legacy of the Ottoman 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 and covers topics including: DT The ottoman legacyDT Kemalist citizenship policies and immigrationDT 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.Read More