The Fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Rise of Modern Turkey

Introduction

• The Ottoman Empire ended 100 years ago, leading to the establishment of Turkey.
• Constantinople renamed IST.
• The Empire's fall contributed to regional instability and conflicts, particularly in the Balkans and the Middle East.

Turkey's Historical Context

The Ottoman Empire

• Ruled over southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa for 600 years.
• Founded in 1299; at its peak, it controlled land across three continents.
• Known as the "sick man of Europe" by the 1800s due to economic decline and territorial losses.

Decline and Disintegration

• Nationalism and independence movements led to the breakup of the Empire.
• 1915: Mass killings and deportations of ethnic Armenians, commemorated as genocide (term rejected by Turkey).
• Defeat in WWI sealed the fate of the Empire; lost most of its territory.

Transition to Nation-State

Mustafa Kamal Atatürk

• Charismatic leader who launched the Turkish War of Independence in 1919.
• Established Turkey as a modern secular nation-state.
• Declared a republic in 1923; Atatürk became its first president (known as "Father of Turks").
• Key reforms included:
  • Closing Islamic institutions.
  • Replacing the Arabic alphabet with Latin.
  • Promoting Western-style dress.
  • Granting women more rights (voting, inheritance).

Modern Political Landscape

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's Leadership

• Erdoğan's rise: Prime Minister (2003) and then President (2014).
• Shift from Atatürk’s Western alignment to emphasizing Islamic identity.
• Major differences:
  • Erdoğan does not view Turkey as part of Western civilization.
  • Expanded presidential powers via referendum in 2017.
• Policies included:
  • Lifting ban on headscarves.
  • Transforming Hagia Sophia from a museum back to a mosque.

Governance Issues and Criticism

• Erdoğan accused of eroding Turkey's secular democracy and freedom.
• Criticism for crackdowns on press, LGBTQ+ communities, and political dissent.
• Supporters view him as a leader who empowers traditional Islamic values.

Turkey's Global Influence

Strategic Importance

• Geographically located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
• Control over trade routes; transit country for oil and gas.
• Proximity to conflict zones (Syria, Libya, Nagorno-Karabakh).

Diplomatic Relations and Mediation

• Close ties with Ukraine and Russia; acted as mediator in their conflict.
• Offered to mediate in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
• Supports a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Military and Economic Challenges

• Increased military presence abroad.
• Threats to trade links with major powers (China, Russia, India).
• Economic issues: high inflation and human rights record affecting relations with the West.

Conclusion

• Turkey's application to join the EU is stalled, yet it plays a key role in controlling refugee flows to Europe.
• Erdoğan faces the challenge of maintaining influence in former Ottoman territories while balancing Western alliances.