The Politics of Culture in Contemporary Turkey

The book explores the relationship between culture, politics, and power in present-day Turkey, analyzing the success of authoritarian populism and the decline of democracy from a cultural studies perspective. It brings together 16 empirical studies that explore cultural aspects from heavy metal music to arthouse films, and from headscarf politics to national memory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 16 August 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

The intricate relationship between culture, politics, and power in present-day Turkey is explored in this comprehensive book. From the iconic headscarf to the heavy metal music scene, it provides an overview of the politics of culture in Turkey under the rule

Since coming to power, President Erdo?an's Justice and Development Party (AKP) have focused on narrating their vision of a "New Turkey" - an ideal that has resulted in the politicisation of popular culture and people's everyday lives. Exposing the strategy of Turkey's ruling elite to obtain cultural hegemony, this book examines the AKP's efforts to rewrite Turkish public memory by promoting its ideas through TV series, movies, propaganda videos, school curricula, and material culture in urban public spaces. It also explores the tactics of cultural resistance developed by the politically weak to counter the ruling elite's dominant culture of pious conservatism.

The book delves into the complex interplay between the state, society, and the individual, examining how cultural practices and expressions are used to shape political identities and ideologies. It explores the ways in which the AKP has sought to control and manipulate cultural production, using state-funded institutions and media outlets to promote its conservative values and suppress alternative voices. At the same time, it recognises the resilience and creativity of the Turkish people in resisting these attempts, through grassroots movements, alternative media, and cultural production that challenge the status quo.

Drawing on a range of empirical studies, including interviews, surveys, and cultural analysis, the book provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the cultural politics of Turkey. It offers a critical analysis of the AKP's policies and practices, and explores the ways in which they have impacted the lives of ordinary people, both positively and negatively. It also raises important questions about the future of cultural politics in Turkey, and the challenges that the country faces in maintaining its cultural heritage and promoting democratic values in the face of authoritarianism.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the field of cultural studies, offering a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on the complex relationship between culture, politics, and power in present-day Turkey. It provides a timely and insightful analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing the country, and will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and policymakers alike.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474490290