Turkey, Islam, Nationalism, and Modernity: A History, 1789-2007

From a minor piece of the expansive Ottoman Empire to its current state as a fully functioning republic, Turkey's history from 1789 to modern day is one of unwavering progression towards modernism, fueled by the perseverance of its people and marked by admirable firsts, including a written constitution and women's rights. Findley uniquely recounts the past of this diverse country through the synthesizing and splitting of beliefs, ideas, and aspirations, while correcting misinterpretations of former historical texts on Turkey and acknowledging the shortcomings of his own. Even when remaining immersed in the past, references are made to the current conditions in Turkey and the world at large. Sections of each chapter focus on politics, the military, economics, and societal factors like education, religion, and culture, but the most revealing sections delve into the literary, poetic, and ideological movements of each era. Findley's examination of four compelling topics results in a remarkable story of a nation finding its identity—both as a place on the map and in the minds of people the world over. (Oct.)