Turkey past, present and future

World-class research on Turkish heritage, history, political presence and as a nation is the main focus for Turkish Studies at Exeter. This is being achieved by drawing on the extensive expertise of academics from a broad range of disciplines across the Humanities and Social Sciences, Business, Languages and Literature. 

A series of inaugural research seminars throughout 2009 will showcase five areas of academic research, providing a framework for Exeter’s Turkish Studies activities designed to carry out pioneering research on Turkish history and culture from its origins to the present day. The five strands include Settlement and Environment, Ottoman Turkish world engagement with western culture, Democracy, the Turkish connection to Central Asia and Migration.

Professor Stephen Mitchell, Co-Director of Exeter Turkish Studies explained, ‘Turkey is growing so fast with a developing economy and a rapidly educated middle class; it also holds a significant global position which was unforeseeable 20 years ago. This change in status demands academic attention and by bringing the expertise of Exeter academics into a focused centre it will allow for topical research.  In the past there hasn’t been a single dedicated centre either in the UK or USA.’

As a country with a Muslim population and a secular government, Turkey holds a unique position geographically between Europe, Asia and the Middle East balanced between Islamic and non Muslim countries. Traditionally Turkey has retained good relations with Arab countries and Israel and its ability to speak to both sides. Turkey has increasing political influence and can be seen as a conduit between the West and the Middle East, especially in negotiating difficult problems Iran, Afghanistan or Iraq.

American President Obama’s recent visit to Turkey further illustrates how Turkey acts as a bridge function between Islam and the non-Muslim world. Turkey is a way in for America and Great Britain and this position ensures that Turkey has an increasingly important political role to play at a global level.

Scholars involved in Turkish Studies at Exeter have long-standing relations with Turkey and established academic networks. Professor Gerald MacLean, Co-Director of Turkish Studies who is currently making a television documentary about the Ottoman and Turkish cultural influences on England and Europe, said ‘ The Turkish Studies research strands are an opportunity to focus and enhance the research of internationally-acclaimed scholars studying Turkey in Exeter, whether from the fields of history, literature, politics, law or archaeology. The history of events leading up to this period of incredible development in Turkey and its current importance on the international stage, straddle many different areas of expertise at the University of Exeter, and this study group will help to draw that knowledge together in a coherent forum.’

Connections with Turkey also extend to the current President, Abdullah Gul, who received an Honorary Doctor of Laws in 2005. It is envisaged that in future the Turkish Studies research will be able to attract PhD students, which may provide opportunities for students in Turkey to benefit from the provision and level of scholarly expertise in Exeter.

The Exeter Turkish Studies lectures series is open to members of the public. April’s programme includes research into Ottoman History on Monday 27 April at 5pm, Immigration and Education: Turkish Communities in the UK and Germany at 11am and on Tuesday 30 April.  Education and Identity among Second Generation Turkish Migrants in London lecture, is on Monday 18 May at 5pm. For further information about the Exeter Turkish Studies lecture series, contact 01392 263258 or email exts@exeter.ac.uk

For anyone interested in learning the language, the Foreign Language Centre offers courses in Turkish, including a short course in June designed for holiday-makers as well as Beginners Turkish as part of its Evening Language Programme.