Fundamental Problems of Turkic Republics in the Context of Intercultural Conflict and Nationalization Process

Following independence, the Turkic Republics implemented nationalization as a state policy. Their main objectives were to promote national unity and homogeneity and to fill the ideological and identity gaps that appeared after the fall of the Soviet Union. The creation of the national state language and national historiography, the incorporation of national elements into state symbols, the restoration of place names that were altered during the Soviet era, the resuscitation of the intellectual legacies of intellectuals executed during that period, the accentuation of national elements in new city construction, and the attempt to resurrect national values through the use of propaganda tools and education are all examples of national values regeneration. However, this process is not a simple one. There are three main reasons why creating a national identity is susceptible to influences from other cultures. First, the area is geographically situated where several different cultures converge. The power struggle in Central Asia includes a non-negligible aspect of the intercultural competition within this process. Second, many nations in this region experienced an identity crisis and a cultural gap after the fall of the Soviet Union. Last but not least, modern globalization facilitates cross-cultural interaction and communication through rapidly expanding and limitless communication technologies. As a result, foreign cultural trends have largely had a one-way effect on the population. In this sense, it is possible to assert that people’s preferences and interests have undergone a fundamental transformation process that has given rise to new Western-influenced customs and behaviors.