The History of the Republic of Turkey: Grandeur and Grievance

A readable, balanced history of Turkey’s first century, from Atatürk’s modernization and mid-century military coups to Erdoğan’s electoral autocracy. It explores the nation's political shifts, migration, and treatment of minorities like Alevis and Kurds, revealing a culture shaped by tension between pride and grievance.

Format: Hardback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Academic Studies Press

The Republic of Turkey has a rich and complex history that spans over a century. While the republican order of the country has remained largely unchanged since its establishment in 1923, there have been significant transformations throughout the years. In the 1920s and 1930s, Turkey experienced Ataturk's modernization dictatorship, which brought about significant changes in the country's political, social, and economic landscape. This period saw the migration of people from rural areas to the cities, as well as the military coups that occurred in the second half of the twentieth century.

In the second half of the twentieth century, Turkey experienced a massive migration into the cities, as well as military coups. These coups, which occurred in 1960, 1971, and 1980, brought about significant changes in the country's political landscape. Recep Tayyip Erdogan's electoral autocracy since the 2010s has further shaped Turkey's political landscape.

This book provides a comprehensive and readable history of the Republic of Turkey that gives equal weight to all periods in the first century of the Republic. It explores the republican order of Turkey, the massive migration into the cities, the military coups, and the electoral autocracy of Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The book argues that a particular trait of Turkish political culture is its constant fluctuation between confidence and contention, grandeur and grievance.

The book begins by examining the republican order of Turkey, which was established in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Ataturk's modernization dictatorship brought about significant changes in the country's political, social, and economic landscape. He abolished the Ottoman Empire, introduced a secular constitution, and implemented reforms that aimed to modernize the country.

The book then explores the massive migration into the cities that occurred in the second half of the twentieth century. This migration was driven by a variety of factors, including economic opportunities, political instability, and war. The migrants came from various parts of Turkey, as well as from other countries in the region.

The book also examines the military coups that occurred in the second half of the twentieth century. These coups were aimed at overthrowing the government and establishing a new order. The coups were successful in some cases, but they also led to significant political instability and violence.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan's electoral autocracy since the 2010s has further shaped Turkey's political landscape. Erdogan has been criticized for his authoritarianism, his crackdown on dissent, and his efforts to consolidate power. However, he has also been praised for his economic policies, which have led to significant growth in the country.

The book argues that a particular trait of Turkish political culture is its constant fluctuation between confidence and contention, grandeur and grievance. This trait has been shaped by a variety of factors, including the country's history, its geography, and its social and economic structure.

In conclusion, the Republic of Turkey has a rich and complex history that spans over a century. While the republican order of the country has remained largely unchanged since its establishment in 1923, there have been significant transformations throughout the years. This book provides a comprehensive and readable history of the Republic of Turkey that gives equal weight to all periods in the first century of the Republic. It explores the republican order of Turkey, the massive migration into the cities, the military coups, and the electoral autocracy of Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The book argues that a particular trait of Turkish political culture is its constant fluctuation between confidence and contention, grandeur and grievance.

Weight: 712g
Dimension: 160 x 236 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9798887192161