Neo-Ottomanism as an Alternative Narrative of National Identity

Building on the theoretical basis for dealing with emotions, politics and symbols together, this chapter takes a historical perspective on Neo-Ottomanist narrativesnarrative. Drawing on its historical manifestations in modern Turkey, it suggests that the current wave of Neo-OttomanismNeo-Ottomanism is a new and alternative national narrative to the Republican one. It reveals the implications of how Neo-OttomanismOttomanism characterized the spirit of the country in the 2000s, not only for the elite, but for much of Turkish society. It thus paves the way for a discussion of the emotional motives behind Neo-Ottomanism.