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Objective:
In the evaluation of the student's performance, emphasis is placed on the extent to which the student:
- has thorough knowledge of his/her subject;
- on the basis of his/her subject, can independently describe and explain historical conditions;
- is able to discuss the research-related problems associated with this.
This course explores the relationship between Turkey and Europe through the primary vantage point of Ottoman and modern Turkish history. Emphasis will be placed on Turkey's multiple roles as a competitor to Europe, as an integral part of Europe, and as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East. At present, it is anticipated that the course will be divided into modules dealing with: 1. the late Ottoman Empire; 2. Atatürk and the emergence of the Turkish Republic; 3. Turkey and Europe - the path to EU membership.
For centuries, the enormous Ottoman Empire was pitched in a protracted struggle with Europe's other Great Powers. Particularly in Western Europe, "the Turk" was portrayed and constructed as the quintessential "Other." As the Ottoman Empire slid into perpetual decline, France, the United Kingdom, the Russian Empire and others competed to dismantle "the sick man of Europe." After World War I, the Ottoman Empire disappeared, and the Turkish republic was nearly extinguished at birth.
From this inauspicious beginning emerged the "Atatürk state," which rejected the Ottoman legacy and Islamic society in favour of a "modern," secular and militarized state. The social, cultural, economic and political changes implemented by Atatürk were revolutionary and cathartic in scale. Atatürk propagated modernity with European models in mind. Since the 1920s, Turkey has been confronting the question of whether modernity must also mean Europeanization and secularization.
In 1952, Turkey became a member of NATO. In 1959, Turkey applied for associate membership of the European Economic Community. This makes Turkey by far the most senior candidate for European Union membership to not have been granted admission. The course will explore the "long engagement" between Turkey and Europe, while exploring the ongoing changes, contradictions and developments that inform Turkish society. The course will deal with topics such as Islam in Turkish politics and society, the military as a pillar of the Atatürk state, and the role of minorities in Turkey.
Students of history, European Studies and International Studies as well as exchange students are welcome.
Ingen
Christian Axboe Nielsen
Seminar
Engelsk
Prospective Readings
At present, it is anticipated that the course will draw significantly on the following book:
Carter Vaughn Findley, Turkey, Islam, Nationalism, and Modernity: A History, 1789-2007.
