The Resurgence of Ottomanism: President Erdogan's Vision for Turkey - thediplomaticaffairs.com

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Europe General Affairs Middle East World July 13, 2023

The Resurgence of Ottomanism: President Erdogan’s Vision for Turkey

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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been at the helm of Turkey’s political landscape for over two decades. Throughout his tenure, Erdogan has displayed a strong nationalist sentiment and a desire to assert Turkey’s influence both regionally and globally. In recent years, he has been promoting a concept knownas “New Ottomanism,” which aims to revive the country’s historical legacy and position Turkey as a major player on the world stage. This article explores the ideology of New Ottomanism, its implications, and the debates surrounding its promotion by President Erdogan. Understanding the New Ottomanism: New Ottomanism is a political and ideological concept that draws inspiration from the Ottoman Empire, which spanned over six centuries and encompassed vastterritories across Europe, Asia, and Africa. It advocates for a more assertive foreign policy, greater regional influence, and a stronger sense of national identity rooted in Turkey’s historical heritage. Erdogan’s advocacy for New Ottomanism is driven by his desire to reestablish Turkey’s regional dominance and elevate its global standing.

He sees himself as a leader who can restore Turkey to its former glory, projecting the country as a pivotal player in regional affairs and beyond. Erdogan envisions a more self-reliant Turkey that is less dependent on Western powers and able to forge alliances with a wider array of nations. Regional Influence: Erdogan’s New Ottomanism seeks to position Turkey as regional power, with a focus on the Middle East, Balkans, and Central Asia. This approach has been met with mixed responses. While some view it as an opportunityfor Turkey to assert itself and promote stability in the region, others perceiveit as a manifestation of neo-imperial ambitions and a threat to the sovereignty of neighboring countries. Cultural Identity: Proponents of New Ottomanism argue that embracing Turkey’s Ottoman past will foster a sense of national pride and unity among its citizens. However, critics argue that this focus on historical identity may sideline minority groups within Turkey and exacerbate existing social and ethnic divisions. Geopolitical Realignment: Erdogan’s pursuit of New Ottomanism has led to ashift in Turkey’s foreign policy orientation. There has been a notable diversification of alliances, with Turkey seeking closer ties with countries like Russia, China, and Qatar. This has strained Turkey’s relations with traditional Western allies and raised concerns about the country’s future trajectory within NATO. New Ottomanism has also had implications for Turkey’sdomestic politics. Erdogan’s consolidation of power, coupled with his nationalist rhetoric, has been seen by critics as a means to solidify his own rule and marginalize dissenting voices. Some view New Ottomanism as a tool to bolster Erdogan’s support base and maintain control over the country’s political landscape. President Erdogan’s promotion of New Ottomanism reflects his vision for Turkey as a powerful and influential nation that reclaims its historical legacy. While it resonates with some segments of Turkish society, it has also generated controversies and concerns over the implications for regional stability, minority rights, and Turkey’s global alliances. As Turkey continues to navigate its complex geopolitical landscape, the future trajectory of New Ottomanism remains a topic of debate and scrutiny both within the country and internationally.

By Cora Sulleyman

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