Civic Nationalism in Turkey: A Study on the Political Profile of Celal Bayar

Yıl 2007, Cilt: 6 Sayı: 3&4, 121 - 141, 16.12.2007

Sule Toktas

Öz

Celal Bayar, a prominent figure in Turkish politics who had hold various offices and positions
last one being Republic Presidency, contributed to the Turkish nation-building process and took part in
its various proceedings and institutions. This article discusses the views of Celal Bayar on nationalism,
more specifically on Turkish nationalism. The discussion reflects on Bayar’s conception of ‘Turkish
nation’, ‘national state’, ‘the Eastern question’, ‘Democrat Party nationalism’ and ‘the non-Muslim
minorities’. The public speeches of him clearly point out that Celal Bayar understood and even
promoted a type of Turkish nationalism which is very much close to civic nationalism.

Keywords: Celal Bayar, Turkish nationalism, nation, state, civic.

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