Evangelisch in der Turkei: Eine Auslandsgemeinde im Kontext nationalsozialistischer Machtpolitik das Beispiel Istanbul

The German Evangelical Church in Istanbul was founded in 1843 due to industrialization and globalization, with close ties between political, diplomatic, and ecclesiastical activities. In the 1930s, the Turkish Republic was modernizing, and many German scientists, including evangelical Christians, were forced to leave their jobs due to the Nuremberg racial legislation. Some avoided the German-speaking community, while others became involved in the evangelical community.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 06 August 2022
Publisher: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht GmbH & Co KG

The establishment of the German Evangelical Church in Istanbul in 1843 can be attributed to the profound impacts of industrialization and the onset of globalization. This pivotal event occurred, particularly with the initiation of Friedrich Wilhelm IV's foreign policy, which prioritized expansion and sought to leverage Protestant congregations abroad as strategic instruments of politics. A notable aspect of this relationship is the close interconnectedness between political, diplomatic, and ecclesiastical activities, driven by shared interests and exerting significant influence on the framework conditions for these congregations abroad.

During the 1930s, the Turkish Republic underwent a significant transformation under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal. He aimed to modernize the country by drawing inspiration from secular European constitutions. To accomplish this, Kemal sought the expertise of professionals in various fields, particularly in higher education. Many scientists, including evangelical Christians, found themselves compelled to leave their positions at German universities due to the implementation of the Nuremberg racial legislation. While some individuals sought to minimize their interactions with the German-speaking community, others actively engaged with the evangelical community.

This period of transition and change in Turkey's history brought about both challenges and opportunities for the evangelical Christian community. On the one hand, they faced the displacement and disruption caused by the Nuremberg racial legislation. On the other hand, they had the opportunity to establish new connections and engage with the broader Turkish society, fostering understanding and cooperation. The establishment of the German Evangelical Church in Istanbul marked a significant milestone in the history of Christianity in the region, as it provided a platform for religious expression and community building among German-speaking expatriates and local Christians alike.

Dimension: 237 x 160 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783525560785