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The University of Utrecht April 2nd, 2007

The University of Utrecht April 2nd, 2007. The Minority Concept in Ottoman Empire and Turkey Baskin Oran oran@politics.ankara.edu.tr. Definitions of “Minority”. “A non-dominant group, different from the majority”. Definition in the Ottoman Empire: None. Instead, the “Millet System”

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The University of Utrecht April 2nd, 2007

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  1. The University of UtrechtApril 2nd, 2007 The Minority Concept in Ottoman Empire and Turkey Baskin Oran oran@politics.ankara.edu.tr

  2. Definitions of “Minority” • “A non-dominant group, different from the majority”. • Definition in the Ottoman Empire: None. Instead, the “Millet System” • Definition in Turkey: “Non-Muslim citizens of Turkey”. • Purpose of this presentation: To inquire into the roots of this definition and analyze Turkish society today. Baskin Oran

  3. International Protection of Minorities andThe Ottoman Empire • After solving the minority issue in W. Europe, EuropeanPowers finally turned to the non-Muslims of the Ottoman Empire. This also permitted them to squeeze to the corner, in the process of “solving” the Eastern Question, the(once) terrible enemy. • The minority regime in the Empire (The Millet System) facilitated this intervention . Baskin Oran

  4. Minority Concept in the Ottoman Empire- The “Millet System” Baskin Oran

  5. The Millet Systemand Muslim Mentality • Rise of nationalist movements (1821 onwards)  Millet System obsolete  Officially abolished in 1839 by the Tanzimat reforms. • But stayed deep-rooted in Muslim mentality which strongly reacted to being equal with the “despised” non-Muslims. Ex. Kurds and Alevis today: “We are not minority. We are the constituent and essential elements of the State”. Baskin Oran

  6. Minority Concept in Republican Turkey: • Western concept of equality adopted: Reception of the Swiss Civil Code in 1926: “All citizens are equal under law” • On the other hand, the Millet System codified: Lausanne Peace Treaty, Section Three, Protection of Minorities: “Positive minority rights under international protection” accorded to non-Muslims only. Baskin Oran

  7. Application of Human and Minority Rights in Turkey • “The atmosphere” of the 1930s: “Turkification” policies (and capital transfer from the non-Muslim to the Muslim bourgeoisie): 1923, 1927, 1932, 1934, 1941, 1942, 1955, 1964. • Until the end of 1940s: “To be of real Turkish race” • 1988-91: “Domestic Foreigners (Turkish citizens)” • Until February 2007: “Turkish citizen of Turkish origin”. • 2006: State Supervisory Council report: “Foreign foundations”. • 1971-2003: The “1936 Declaration” • Refusal to apply: “All Turkish nationals have a right to use any language they wish in commerce, in public and private meetings and in all types of press and publication”(L., 39/4). Baskin Oran

  8. Description of the Present Situation • Dominant Nation (“Muslim”) “Muslim Turkish”. • But mentality remains unchanged: “Non-Muslims are second-class citizens”. • Additional negativity: “Non-Muslims are foreigners’ tools”. • Mentality aggravated by “Sèvres Paranoia” (= Islamophobia in Europe). • This paranoia nowadays results in: • Lynching and killing human rights activists, • Condemning them in tribunals, • Replacing freedom of speech with the “freedom to insult” . Baskin Oran

  9. Analysis of the Present Situation -1What is Happening? - Turkey is finally changing track, a second time in its history. It is burying the Millet System. Old and new versions, both. - The 1st modernizing Revolution From Above: Kemalism (1920s). The 2nd: EU Reform Packages (2000s). Baskin Oran

  10. Analysis of the Present Situation-2The “Minority Report” • October 2004: Prime Ministery`s Consultative Council on Human Rights Report - The “Supra Identity” issue: • Ottoman  Turk  Turkiyeli • Turk = LAHASUMUT • Turkiyeli = The end of the Millet System. Baskin Oran

  11. Analysis of the Present Situation -3Why is it Happening This Way? • Turkey has accomplished in 80 years what Europe has done in centuries. • Speed increases fuel consumption, involves more risk. • Revolutions From Above/Outside have created their own reactions. • Globalization is scaring even European national identities. Ex. French and Dutch EU constitutionreferenda. • Issues swept under the carpet for decades now pop-up like zombies and contribute to the Sèvres Paranoia (Kurdish, Islamist, Cyprus, Armenian, etc.). Baskin Oran

  12. Analysis of the Present Situation -4Despair and Hope • The parameters and actors have changed in an unbelievable way, only witnessing the rattling rate of the Turkish society: 1920s 2000s KemalismEU Reform Packages   Religious Reaction“Sèvres Paranoia” Baskin Oran

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