Where does Turkey currently stand in regard to "clashing" civilization?

Question

Would the country be considered Western or non-Western, or perhaps an Arab country or even part of the European Union?

um ok sharifjunaid...but that doesn't answer the question. I don't care if its "merely a dream of certain redneck yanks in academia".

Even if you don't think its a good question, how would you classify Turkey in that sense? Or perhaps Mexico or Russia?

Answer 1

I think Turkey is referred to a lot as "where East meets West" There is certainly a lot of Islamic influence in its history, but Turks are certainly not Arabs. Turkey is also not part of the European Union. Some very adamant geographers will point out that the "border" around Europe curves almost entirely around Turkey, excluding all except the little part that is west of the Bosporus.

"non-Western" is a curious term. If it's not Western, is it Eastern? I think Turkey is a Western nation, since it is officially secular and the influence of Islam is seen about as much as the influence of Christianity is seen in the US.

EDIT: And I'm still laughing about rednecks in academia. That sounds like a dish at a fancy dinner party.

Answer 2

Shut up Carmelo, didn't your mother tell you that if you can't say anything good, better say nothing? Or was she busy handing you a gun when you were three so your psyche is so warped?

Sorry, please don't listen to the newly popped troll here, his parents dropped him on his head when he was born. They thought they were passing napalm. Now for your answer:
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Turkey in itself prides itself as being a strongly secular country. That being it is Western in its values although nationals are born Muslim, just like some people are born Catholic and some are born Christian. Turkey itself do not see themselves clashing with anything. The clashing of civilizations are some European concocted paranoia of something not similar to them which is, they are Christian and Turkey has a Muslim majority.No-brains call it Muslimism and the rest. But the truth to the matter is, it is European & Western civilizations & Islam that is in contention or are the "Clash".

The term 'Non-Western' is a little off but then ideally it could be Islamic countries or countries with Sharia law prevailing. Why? Though the countries are Islamic, you would still see vestiges of the West in their manner of dressing. You might see Bin Laden's second in command spewing "Down with the west but then see him wearing Chrstian Dior eyeglasses. That is why the term western is debatable and is inappropriate today. China is Communist but they have Coca-Cola.

As far as Turkey goes civilization-wise, Turkey is the most ideal and the most coveted in the lot owing to its difference from the European norms in terms of economics, demography, culture, religion, and geography and at the same time, Ideally, Turkey would make a great example as a country that bridges the gap in its relation with the Islamic world and at the same time Turkey's young, energetic population and economy will be a symbol to the Caucasus & Central Asian countries apart from the Middle East who aren't that "Westernized".

Contrary to clashing, Turkey's ascension in the world most especially if they enter the EU will symbolize the merge of European and Western culture and Islam.

Answer 3

I look at the "Nature vs. Nurture" debate in a similar way to the road toll debate. The reason governments don't identify an answer to why people die on our roads is because they assume there is a lone one or two reasons. Yet the truth is, there is no one or two reasons, there are many factors that contribute to the road toll. In other words speed and alcohol is not the entire problem. Homosexuality is the same. I suspect in some cases the upbringing contributes to a persons ultimate lifestyle while in others its just how they are. The only way to truly know would be to do a scientific study on say 100 families over a 30 year time span yet even then the end result will be decided by the methods used to interpret the date collected.

Answer 4

Our biggest mistake in these matters is try to classify things. What is Western? Are even US and GB that much similar? How similar are Denmark and Southern Cyprus?

"Clashing civilizations" is a study based on classifications. Yes, civilizations have been clashing for thousands of years and yes, Islamist hardliners are clashing with Western emperialism. But even the "Islamist" states are not uniform and similar among themselves. And the "clashing" parties exist in Western societies, too.

And finally, whatever clash there is, Turkey is in a most unlucky geography. The West wants it for itself and the Islamists wants it for itself, and both do everything in their power to further their influence here, never mind what locals want.

And a last word: aligning Turkey with the Arab world shows that you are well versed in the subject. Try reading a few articles on the net.

Answer 5

Given that Turkey is about 95% Mouslim it will never be considered European.

Because of it's location and the fact that virtuably nobody in Turkey speaks arabic it will never be consirabed as as Arab country either.

Given that Turkey has litttle resources either , Who wants it ?

Sorry to sound so brutal but everyones views are invited.

Ian M


Discss,

Answer 6

Turkey is in positive attitude (meeting point between east and west)

Answer 7

the premise of your question is wrong and thus cannot be accurately answered.

there are no 'clashing civilisations'; that's merely a dream of certain redneck yanks in academia.

Answer 8

well if i can say to me turkey looks like a melting pot i have read that the armies of turkey were almost totally Greek from Greek children that were kidnapped they were called Janissary!! and later on not all Greek population made it to the west side of Mediterranean so melting pot with heavy dose of turban and argyle philosophy !! i Hope i helped !!

Answer 9

lol. and what bizarre feat of reasoning led you to this amazing conclusion? just in case your confused turks are not arabs!