The aim of this study is to understand the fatiguing relationship between Turkey and
European Union which has been lasting for four decades and to come to perceive whether
Turkey is a proper candidate or not when examined carefully. There are some debates over
Turkish society and its approach to European Union which reinforces Turkey to change in
terms of social structures such as policy and economy. This study is also to be prepared in
order to explain what has a big impact on Europe’s viewpoint about Turkey and Turkishness.
Moreover, some Turks’ opposition to European Union is added to the study. When doing this
study, it has been read several sources and articles by well-known Turkish authors and
teachers as well as foreign researchers who keep an eye on Turkey and EU relations.
In light of that study, Turkey and EU relations might be told in another words and be
understood that some historical and cultural effects can determine what society thinks.
Table of Contents
1. A Brief History of EU and Turkey
2. European Relations During AKP Governance
3. Why Does EU oppose to Turkey’s Membership?
4. What Does Turkish Society Think About EU?
Objectives and Topics
This study aims to analyze the long-standing and complex relationship between Turkey and the European Union, examining the historical, social, and political factors that influence the perspectives of both parties regarding membership. It specifically investigates the reasons behind the EU's reluctance to grant full membership and explores the varying attitudes within Turkish society, including the influence of religious identity, military history, and migration patterns.
- Historical evolution of Turkey-EU relations since the 1960s.
- The impact of political shifts and AKP governance on foreign policy.
- Structural, religious, and political obstacles to EU accession.
- Social dynamics regarding Turkish migration and European identity.
- Internal Turkish viewpoints on EU integration based on demographic and political factors.
Excerpt from the Book
Why Does EU oppose to Turkey’s Membership?
In the previous section, I have mentioned the recent years of Turkey and EU relations. In fact, EU and Turkey relations are based on the 11th century, when Turks came to minor Asia as known as Anatolia today. Since then, Turkey has been in a relationship with European countries. After Sultan Mehmet conquered İstanbul which was called Constantinople by the Byzantine and still today’s Greeks, The Ottoman Empire came closer to Europe and became a gigantic danger for European Kingdoms. The Ottomans involved in many wars with European countries and also investigated European culture, social life and economy as well as policy. I am of opinion that we should also concentrate on the historical debates as they determine the EU and Turkey relations today. History cannot be separated from policy. Nor can we ignore the historical reasons about European Union and Turkey relations. Since the Ottomans were reputation for glories, Europe was very afraid to be conquered by Turks. This fear caused prejudices and sometimes hatred. Still, the counties like Austria show the Ottomans in the history as one of the reasons why Turkey cannot be a European Union country. They ignore the Republic of Turkey which was found the great leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and prefer to remind Turks of the history as if to hold grudge. They seem to believe that Turkish people still live the Ottoman era in Turkey in terms of social life and religion. That must be taken into the consideration when mentioned EU’s opposition to Turkey.
Summary of Chapters
A Brief History of EU and Turkey: This chapter provides an overview of the negotiation timeline between Turkey and the EU, highlighting the influence of political events, military interventions, and the Ankara Association Agreement.
European Relations During AKP Governance: This section explores how the political transition under the AKP has shifted Turkey's internal and external policies, specifically regarding the pursuit of EU membership amidst conservative domestic agendas.
Why Does EU oppose to Turkey’s Membership?: This chapter analyzes the historical, religious, and structural barriers perceived by European nations that contribute to the ongoing hesitation regarding Turkey's integration.
What Does Turkish Society Think About EU?: This final analytical chapter examines the diverse attitudes within the Turkish population, contrasting the motivations of different social and minority groups regarding the benefits and cultural concerns of EU accession.
Keywords
Turkey, European Union, Turkish society, Turkish politics, AKP, membership, history, religion, migration, human rights, democracy, secularism, cultural identity, accession, minorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research?
The research focuses on the multi-decade relationship between Turkey and the European Union, specifically addressing why this partnership remains strained and unresolved.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The study covers historical developments, the impact of internal political changes in Turkey, structural and religious obstacles, and the influence of migration on the bilateral relationship.
What is the core research question?
The work seeks to determine why the EU hesitates to accept Turkey as a full member and how Turkish citizens perceive the EU based on their cultural, political, and economic contexts.
Which methodology is employed in this study?
The author utilizes a qualitative review of historical sources, academic articles, and public sentiment analysis, supplemented by evidence from secondary literature and sociological surveys.
What is discussed in the main body of the work?
The main body examines the timeline of negotiations, the influence of the AKP government, historical biases in European perceptions, and internal Turkish debates regarding identity and religion.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
Key terms include Turkey-EU relations, Turkish politics, AKP, migration, identity politics, human rights, and European accession.
How does the author explain the influence of history on modern relations?
The author argues that European prejudice is partially rooted in the historical fear of the Ottoman Empire, which influences how contemporary policymakers view modern Turkey's European credentials.
Does the study find a unified opinion in Turkish society?
No, the study reveals a diverse range of opinions; while many seek the economic and social benefits of EU membership, conservative segments fear the loss of religious and cultural identity.
What role does the Turkish military play in this context?
The study highlights how the historical dominance of the military in politics and the subsequent political trials (like the Ergenekon case) have been critical factors in the EU's assessment of Turkey's democratic standards.
- Citation du texte
- Bahanur Alişoğlu (Auteur), 2012, Turkey and EU - What Does the Society Think?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/188879
