Turkey has leapt to international prominence as an economic and political powerhouse under its elected Muslim government; and is looked on by many as a model for other Muslim countries in the wake of the Arab Spring. In this book; Jenny White reveals how Turkish national identity and the meanings of Islam and secularism have undergone radical changes in today's Turkey; and asks whether the Turkish model should be viewed as a success story or a cautionary tale. This provocative book traces how Muslim nationalists blur the line between the secular and the Islamic; supporting globalization and political liberalism; yet remaining mired in authoritarianism; intolerance; and cultural norms hostile to minorities and women.In a new afterword; White analyzes the latest political developments; particularly the mass protests surrounding Gezi Park; their impact on Turkish political culture; and what they mean for the future.
#454355 in Books imusti 2011-09-26Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.40 x .90 x 5.40l; .80 #File Name: 0691152608296 pagesPrinceton University Press
Review
24 of 26 people found the following review helpful. Intelligent SynopsisBy L. M. PlasThis is a short hand introduction to the state of mind of the European radical reformers of the late 18th century. Besides well known authors; ignored writings such as those of the Dutch politician Pieter Paulus are presented here. In this problem oriented form; in search of the essence of the radical mind; this type of introduction to 18th century radical political thinking was not available up to now. Ealier research reflects too often the general cultural mistrust surrounding thinkers who in their mind dared too turn their factual; hierachical structured 18th century world upside down. This in contrast to the thinkers of the so called Moderate Enlighenment; who while reformers; remained obliged to King; Gentry and the existing religious establishment. This book displays a fresh appreciation of the revolutionary mentality; with due respect to more conservative strands of thinking.This collection of essays is lively written and accessible not just to experts; but to any intellectual interested in the roots of our modernity. I can advise it to students and to a more general public. There are also some surprises in these texts; that should appeal to the specialists in the field.L.M. Plas.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I found this publication an excellent summation of how quickly the Enlightenment Philosophes changed traditional ...By JimHaving read several of Jonathan Israel's huge Enlightenment histories; I found this publication an excellent summation of how quickly the Enlightenment Philosophes changed traditional political and social thinking ...and how much our minds today are a result of this rapid and radical change of orthodoxy 1740-1800.. The battle is not ended...still going on...back and forth...conservative vs liberal; religion vs secular freedom; women vs ppatriarchs etc etc. fast read for me.8 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Best Book on the Subject Available!By Craig DonerThis seminal historical work is by far the best book I have read thus far on the subject. By distinguishing the "moderate" from the "radical" enlightenment; Israel makes it much easier to see the actual sources of the long lasting effects of the enlightenment. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the subject!
