Exploring Turkish Cultures


Book Description

This groundbreaking series of essays offers new insights into Turkish cultures both past and present. Moving beyond the traditional binaries of east/west, Islam/secularism, and Europe/Asia, the book contains a variety of perspectives on contemporary Turkey, from actors, directors, critics and other major cultural figures. The book tries to situate these opinions in context by looking at how such perspectives are employed in different cultural spheres—education, theatre, politics and the like. Exploring Turkish Cultures contains the first major interviews published in English with prominent public figures, including actors Türkân Şoray, Genco Erkal and Nesrin Kazankaya. Other figures interviewed include film directors Derviş Zaim and documentary filmmakers Ben Hopkins, Pelin Esmer and Özgür Doğan. An extended interview with the author, translator and academic Talât Halman rounds off the interview section. Complementing these interviews are a series of essays on major Turkish films and theatrical productions, both past and present. Combining historical analysis, comment and evaluation from an author who has spent two decades living in Turkey, Exploring Turkish Cultures represents a major contribution to contemporary Turkish studies.




Culture and Diplomacy


Book Description

Diplomats had multiple tasks: not only negotiating with the representatives of other states, but also mediating culture and knowledge, and not least elaborating reports on their observations of politics, society, and culture. Culture, according to the studies featured in this book, is defined as a complex sphere including aspects like systems of communication, literature, music, arts, education, and the creation of knowledge. This edition containing contributions from six conferences held in Vienna and Istanbul by the Don Juan Archiv Wien focuses on the complex diplomatic and cultural relations between the Ottoman Empire and Europe from the time of the early embassies to Istanbul up to "Tanzimat".




Folk Tales from Turkey


Book Description

Discover the Enchantment of Turkey’s Most Treasured Folk Tales Step into a world where cleverness outsmarts brute strength, where love breaks the most powerful curses, and where seven brothers unite to vanquish a fearsome giant. Folk Tales from Turkey: Legends of Cleverness, Courage, and Magic is a captivating collection of Turkey's most beloved folk tales, brought together in a beautifully crafted volume that will transport readers to a land rich in history, wisdom, and wonder. In this first installment of our Folk Tales from Turkey series, readers of all ages will embark on thrilling adventures alongside unforgettable characters: the quick-witted Nasreddin Hodja, whose humor and wisdom illuminate life’s mysteries; Keloglan, the clever bald-headed boy who triumphs against all odds; and the brave seven brothers who must outwit a formidable giant to save their village. These timeless stories, steeped in the vibrant landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Turkey, offer profound lessons and insights that resonate across generations. A Treasure Trove of Timeless Wisdom More than just tales, these stories are the distilled teachings of human culture, filled with profound knowledge and timeless wisdom. They are a joy to read, with universal themes of bravery, cleverness, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Perfect for readers of all ages, these folk tales are not only entertaining but also serve as a bridge to understanding the culture from which they originate. Folk tales are the foundation of human storytelling, offering a unique window into the values, hopes, and fears of a people. Understanding a culture is best done through the stories it tells, and in this volume, you’ll find a rich tapestry of Turkish tradition, ready to be passed down and cherished for generations to come. A Must-Have for Any Library or Bookshelf We envision this collection as a treasure that any library or bookshelf can hold and pass on to future generations—so they too can be inspired and draw teachings from our ancestors' stories. Whether you’re a lover of mythology, a seeker of adventure, or a parent wanting to introduce your children to the wonders of storytelling. Folk Tales from Turkey is more than just a book; it’s a journey into the heart of a culture, a celebration of the art of storytelling, and a preservation of a priceless cultural heritage. Add this volume to your collection today and become a part of the timeless tradition of folk tales that continue to inspire and teach us about the world and ourselves. Key Features: Epic Turkish Legends: Immerse yourself in the rich folklore of Turkey, with stories that have been passed down through generations, capturing the essence of the nation’s mythological heritage. Perfect for All Ages: With stories that are as entertaining as they are educational, this collection is suitable for readers young and old, offering something for everyone. Cultural Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of Turkish culture and values through interpretations and analyses of the folk tales that have shaped the nation’s identity. Beautifully Crafted: Designed to be a timeless keepsake, this book is a treasure that will enhance any personal library or bookshelf. A pleasure to read, filled with profound timeless knowledge and teachings, this collection is suited for all ages. Folk tales are the foundation of human storytelling, and understanding a culture is best done through the stories they tell. We see folk tales as distilled teachings of human culture—their value is unfathomable, a cultural inheritance that should be cherished and preserved. We envision this collection as a treasure that will inspire and educate future generations, preserving the wisdom and wonder of our ancestors' stories.




Turkish History and Culture in India


Book Description

This interdisciplinary volume addresses the history, literature and material culture of peoples of Turkish origins in India over the eleventh to eighteenth centuries. Although many ruling dynasties and members of the elite in this period claimed Turkish descent, this aspect of their identity has seldom received much scholarly attention. The discussion is enriched by a focus on connections and comparisons with other parts of the broader Turko-Persian world, especially Anatolia. Although discussions of Turkish-Muslim rulers in India take account of their Central Asian origins and connections, links with Anatolia, stretching back to the medieval period, were also important in the formation of Turkish society and culture in India, and have been much less explored in the literature. The volume contains contributions by some of the leading scholars in the field.




Made in Turkey


Book Description

Made in Turkey: Studies in Popular Music serves as a comprehensive and thorough introduction to the history, sociology, and musicology of Turkish popular music. The volume consists of essays by leading scholars of Turkish music, and covers the major figures, styles, and social contexts of popular music in Turkey. Each essay provides adequate context so readers understand why the figure or genre under discussion is of lasting significance to Turkish popular music. The book first presents a general description of the history and background of popular music in Turkey, followed by essays that are organized into thematic sections: Histories, Politics, Ethnicities, and Genres.




Democracy


Book Description




Religion, Nationalism and Foreign Policy


Book Description

This book provides a critical discussion on how different discourses of nationalism in the Turkish media construct contested concepts of New Turkey's identity, which has great importance for mapping modern Turkey's place in the world of nations. Drawing on a Discourse-Historical Approach, the author analyses different discourses on Turkish national identity and foreign policy in Turkish media in the second term of the AKP government from 2007 to 2011, which was the period of consolidation of Muslim conservative nationalism in both internal and external relations. By using three case studies, including the Presidential elections in 2007, the launch of Kurdish Initiative in 2009, and the debate of axis shift in Western orientation of Turkish Foreign Policy in 2010, the book argues that not only has AKP's Muslim nationalism reconstructed new Turkish foreign policy, but also new Turkish foreign policy discourse has reconstructed Turkish nation's Muslim identity and reinforced Muslim nationalism.




Transgressive Design Strategies for Utopian Cities


Book Description

This book critically examines the philosophy of the term ‘transgression’ and how it shapes the utopian vision of contemporary urban design scenarios. The aim of this book is to provide scholarly yet accessible graphic novel illustrations to inform narratives of urban manifestos. Through four select case studies from the UK, Cyprus and Germany, the book highlights the paradoxes and contradictions in architecture and provides detailed evaluation of the limits and contemporary forms of sustainable urban regeneration. The book proposes an ‘utopian urban vision’ approach to social, political and cultural relations, trends and tensions – both locally and globally – and seeks to inspire an awakening in architectural discourse. The book argues that the philosophical undermining of transgression is the result of a phenomenon from a different perspective – its philosophical background, social construction, experimental research process and design implications on the city. As such, the book provides a critical examination of how architectural design interventions contribute to sustainable urban regeneration and gentrification and can impact local communities. This book provides a significant contribution to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as early career researchers working in architecture, planning and sustainable urban design. It offers effective guidance on adopting the state-of-the-art graphical illustrations into their own design projects, while considering contradictions between architectural discourse and the philosophy of transgression.




Turkish Literature and Cultural Memory


Book Description

"Result of an international workshop held as part of the University of Giessen's Collaborative Research Center 'Memory Cultures'"--Pref.




Home Affairs


Book Description