Understanding Turkish Society and the Prevalence of Racism

It is often assumed that Turkish society is inherently racist. However, this notion is a misrepresentation of the true nature of Turkish society, where patriotism and nationalism play a significant role. While there have been instances of racial tension and discrimination, it is not accurate to label Turkish people as a whole as racists.

The Prevalence of Racism in Turkish Society

There are several factors that can contribute to misconceptions about racism in Turkey. One's experience with foreign friends, for instance, might lead to a skewed understanding. I recall a British colleague who made a joke about us, Turks, saying that we are weird people and that most Turks he met were racists. However, these negative opinions are generally not reflective of the broader population.

According to recent polling data, around 17% of the Turkish population votes for far-right parties. However, it is important to note that these parties do not fully embody the principles of far-right ideology. The Turkish tradition of empires, including the Seljuks, Sultanate of Rum, and the Ottoman Empire, is a testament to the meritocracy and inclusive governance of the past. These empires governed territories populated by a diverse array of ethnicities such as Kurds, Arabs, Persians, Europeans, and many others.

Modern Turkish society is incredibly diverse, with various ethnicities and skin tones represented. From black Turks to Greeks with blue eyes, skin color and ethnicity are not significant factors in how Turkish people perceive others. As for patriotism and nationalism, they are deeply ingrained in the culture, yet they do not equate to racism. The essence of Turkish national identity revolves around the willingness to be part of the Turkish nation and its rich heritage.

The Kurdish Community and Its Challenges

Although the majority of Turkish people are not racist, there are instances of discrimination faced by certain ethnic groups, such as the Kurdish community. Historical and contemporary tensions between Turks and Kurds have led to ongoing conflict.

The roots of this enmity date back to 1921, with the Sheikh Said Rebellion, where Kurdish feudal lords rebelled against the young Turkish republic. Since then, there have been instances of Kurdish separatists engaging in both military and civilian attacks on Turkish people. Despite this, the number of Kurdish politicians at various levels of government is evidence of the acceptance and inclusion within Turkish society.

Other examples include the Gezi Protests, where Kurdish separatists openly displayed separatist flags without facing significant backlash. While there have been occasional instances of conflict, the overall attitude towards Kurds is one of tolerance, provided they do not openly support separatist movements or attempt to undermine Turkish unity.

Conclusion

It is essential to recognize that Turkish society is far from being uniformly racist. Instead, it is characterized by a deep sense of patriotism and a strong national identity based on the willingness to be part of a shared cultural heritage. Contrary to popular belief, the primary issue faced by many in Turkish society is the continued struggle against Kurdish separatism rather than racism stemming from skin color or ethnicity.

By understanding the complexities of Turkish society and its historical context, one can better comprehend the true nature of racism and national identity within the country. It is vital to move beyond stereotypes and biases to promote a more inclusive and accepting society.