The Dilemma of Cultural Identity on the Margin of Europe
Author(s)
Keyder, Caglar
Abstract
Turkey has stood in an awkward position in its relationship with Europe. While its elite declare a willingness to belong, its history and cultural legacy make it difficult for the inclusion to occur. On the Western side as well, the construction of a Greco-Roman cultural history has made the definition of Europe depend on the exclusion of Turkey as the alien presence. This article analyzes the spectrum of Turkish attitudes and political platforms relating to the West and, more specifically, to the European Community. It is argued that the confrontation with Europe has been the fundamental dimension of a politics of cultural identity in the Turkish context.
