An unintended consequence of modernization in Turkey : nationalist reactions from its periphery

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2007
Yüksel, Mezher
This dissertation studies the impact of a nation-state oriented modernization project on the socio-political and economic structure of the Kurdish speaking areas in Turkey with specific reference to center-periphery relations. The primary objective of this study is to document and analyze strategies and practices that have been introduced by the center to transform the Kurdish speaking periphery and integrate it with the Turkish nation-state. It also analyses the impacts of this process on the periphery alongside the latter’s responses to them. The analysis focuses on the application of the modernization project in three different fields: namely the economic, political and educational spheres. For this purpose the history of modern Turkey is divided into three periods. The first period covers the years from the foundation of the Turkish Republic until transition to the multi-party political system, that is, from 1923 to 1950. The second period is between 1950 and 1980. The post 1980 period is the third period.

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Citation Formats
M. Yüksel, “An unintended consequence of modernization in Turkey : nationalist reactions from its periphery ,” Ph.D. - Doctoral Program, Middle East Technical University, 2007.